Typically parents choose a name they like and then consider possible nicknames later. But how about doing things the other way around? We've rounded up a pool of baby boy names you might overlook — until you see their super cute nicknames, that is.
Baby boy names with the best nicknames
Alfred: The full name sounds a bit stuffy, but Alfie is adorable.
Angus: You don't have to settle for August or Augustus if you have your heart set on the nickname Gus.
Asher or Ashton: Two great ways to get the handsome Ash.
Baxter: Everyone is looking for a long form of Max, but we love Bax as an alternative.
Beckett: Fans use Becks as a nickname for David Beckham, but it works just as well on Beckett.
Benjamin: You probably knew a lot of Bens in high school, but did you know anyone who went by Benji?
Calvin: This presidential throwback gives the suave diminutive Cal. Try Callum if you'd prefer a trendier first name.
Cyrus: This name works great as is, but Cy is short, sweet, and strong.
Dashiell: You won't find a better nickname than Dash for a rambunctious toddler.
David: Like Ben, Daves are everywhere. For your wee newborn boy, try out the winsome Davy.
Dexter: Maybe the TV show serial killer association will fade if you call him Dex?
Ezekiel: The amiable nickname Zeke sells both this and unusual biblical boy name Hezekiah.
Fitzgerald: It's a mouthful, but Fitz sounds equally fetching at every age.
Howard: We can't decide whether Howie or Ward is more charming.
Isaac: We like Ike. (Sorry.)
Jeremy: If you need a long form for Remy, we prefer this traditional baby boy name to Remington.
Julius: Though girls use it, too, we don't think Jules is too feminine for a little boy.
Montgomery: Monty? Come on. Perfection.
Oliver: He will want to use the full name as an adult, but Ollie suits the preschool years so well.
Phillip: Don't see dad name Phil and move on: try out the Dickensian Pip instead.
Thaddeus: We adore this Greek long form of Tad.
Truman: Whether you prefer the president or the author (or the Jim Carrey movie — we don't judge), you can call him Tru for short.
Vincent: Plenty of adult men still go by Vinnie, but we like Vin even more.
William: Surprise people with the enchanting nickname Wim, rather than the tired Will or Billy.
Nicknames aren't for everyone. Do you like names with options, or do you prefer the control of choosing a baby name with no nicknames at all?
More baby name ideas
Use genealogy to choose a family baby name
Old people baby names we love
Baby names inspired by fictional characters