Naming Rights

Nicknames for people have been a part of my vernacular since I can remember.  Maybe it’s because sports tend to be a place where nicknames are a part of the culture.

Even sports venues get nicknames.  Chase Field, formerly Bank One Ballpark, was commonly referred to as “BOB.”  Arizona State University’s basketball stadium, formerly known as Wells Fargo Arena, was called “The Bank.” Prior to that, when it was known as the University Activity Center, students would refer to it as the U-AC.

People are subjected to nicknames even more so – and there’s an unwritten rule somewhere that says you cannot nickname yourself.

Often the nickname is earned through something a person has done, how they look or how they act.  Sometimes it’s a version, however far the stretch might be, of their given name, or a shortened version of their name.

The nicknames become a part of the individual’s personal brand.

WNBA star Candace Parker is called “Ace.”

There’s a natural progression from Richard, to Rich, or Rick, or Dick.  The same path for Robert, to Rob, to Bob.  And for William, to Will, to Bill.  Margaret to Maggie, Madge, Meg and Peggy.

There are so many more.

James = Jim.  Henry = Hank.  Charles = Chuck.  Nancy = Ann.  John = Jack.  Scott = Scooter. Hanson = Hanner. The list goes on.

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