Is Richard a Common Nickname for the Name Richard?

The quick answer is no, Richard is not a common nickname for the name Richard. The most popular short form these days is likely Rich.

My Personal Experience

I was born in 1951, and much to my chagrin, most adults called me 'Dick.' Around the age of seven, I convinced everyone to call me 'Rich,' and this name has stuck with almost everyone to this day.

Professional Career

When I started working as a professional actor and entertainer in 1960 at the age of eight, my maternal grandmother demanded that I use a stage name. She owned the house we lived in, and she threatened to evict us if I performed under my real name. I adopted the stage name 'Dick Hamer,' and while my newfound friend Jimmy Durante initially called me 'Dick,' I accepted this and never complained. He was like an extra grandfather to me, and I loved him deeply.

Historic Context

Back in the dreamtime of English, rhyming nicknames were quite common. For instance, Bill for William, Billiam for William, Bobert for Robert, Bob for Rob, and Dick for Richard. This outcome from this tradition is very common.

The Cultural Shift

Currently, calling someone 'Dick' for Richard is not as widely accepted as it was in the past. In the old days, my uncles named Richard were often called 'Dick,' even by his mother, and this was not generally considered obscene as it is today.

Notable Anecdotes

I once knew a Richard who was an absolute 'DICK!' This shouldn't come as a surprise, as cultural norms have evolved significantly over the years.

Conclusion

While 'Dick' is now a more common nickname for Richard, it is certainly not a universal one. The name 'Rich' has become more prominent in recent years. However, cultural context plays a major role in how these nicknames are perceived and accepted.