Mumsnet Talk

Other than William, of course - are there any others?

We would like the nn Billy, I like longer names that can be shortened - but William is too popular at the moment.

Any ideas?

Wilbur
Wilfred

Willard
Willem
Wilhelm

Or wny not just name him Billy or Billie and say he's named after Billie Holiday.

William - obviously

oops - sorry I didn't finish reading the op's post

Bilbo!

Or...
Bilbert
Bilward
Billothy
Bildrew
Bilthew

I don't really get how Billy derives from William - I mean, where does the B come from ? But I guess it is nicer than Willy .

How about Bernard, Bertram or Benedict? Or Bear, Barnaby or Benjamin?

Howabout just Will? It's a name in itself and there are virtually no Wills around, though of course you will hear the name when Williams are shortened to Will. We have a Will in the family and his nn is Billy...

Billie Holiday was female so definitely Billy with a Y as ie is the female version

But Will is just one letter away from Willy..... I think the temptation to tease amongst silly schoolboys is too great imo!

zinaida I spat my coffee all over my keyboard!

just have Billy.

I think Bill or Billy are far nicer than Will or Willy!

How about just Bill? I prefer that to Wil or Willy too.

Zinaida, these aren't real names are they? You must have made thme up, surely.

Wilson
Bartholomew

Billiam

I know a "Wilson" who gets shortened to Billy.

We have a William, but he is known to everyone as Billy. I think it's a GREAT name!

Have only met one other William of comparable age, and 2 other Billys.

There are lots more of Oscar, Josh, Felix and Gabriel where we are.

Probably not a great help - but I know a family where out of 4 brothers, 2 of them have the nn Billy and neither are called any of the names that have been suggested here!

If you like Billy, just call him Billy.
Or call him something you like and just use the nn Billy - that will confuse people lol!

I would stick with Bill or Billy (or another B name) as William or Will are just too close to Willy imo.

I would stick with Billy. I don't like it when people give there child one name then call them another, seems ridiculous to me.

I have a Billy! I don't know why I choose it tbh. 'Billy Elliot' was just out and my Grandad was Willy (pronounced 'Wully' as Scottish) - so guess that was it.

Go for it.