Classic baby boy names with surprising nicknames: Naming expert shares her favourites

When it comes to naming your bundle of joy, hundreds of variables can impact the choice, including its origin, meaning, family heritage, and sound.

Thankfully, a baby name expert has revealed her best list of classic boys’ names with a modern nickname twist to help parents who are struggling to decide.

On TikTok, Colleen Slagen shared a video addressing those “looking for a name that suits your baby.”

“You can have it all – a classic name to fall back on, and a nickname that sort of stands out, whether it’s more modern [or] more vintage,” Slagen began.

Watch the video above.

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“Let’s go through this list. I’m not going to say the obvious nicknames; you already know them.”

Slagen then revealed the classic names with modern nicknames she sees becoming popular with those who want the best of both worlds.

“I had a client years ago who had a Nathan who went by Tate. So the other nickname I love for Nathaniel is Nat,” the baby name expert suggested.

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“Nicholas could go by Nico or Cole,” she said.

“I know some parents of Benjamins find this way too cutesy, but I love Benny and Benji,” she added, saying she once met a camp counsellor who went by ‘Jamin’.

“For Matthew and Robert, I think Matty and Bobby have this sweet nostalgia,” she continued.

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“It recently came to my attention that some people are using Rory as a nickname for Robert, and I think that’s so cute.”

For those pining over the name Henry who are concerned about its popularity, Slagen offers the names Hank and Hal.

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“Joseph can be Joby, Billy and Liam are fresh takes on William, Wells for Maxwell, Archie for Richard, and Rory can be used for Gregory as well.

“Lastly, Michael, this is one of those names that I never hear amongst the younger generation. I think both Mickey and Mac would be very cute takes on Michael.

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Slagen concluded, “I personally love this style of naming because it feels like you get options. What cute and classic nicknames are we hearing out and about?”

If you’re struggling to find a classic boy’s name with a modern twist, consider Slagen’s expert options.

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