William = Bill ... why?

[Mendel]

This has troubled my mind for some time now. Why are all the Williams called Bills?

I seem to find no connection between the two names. Any explanation for this? Was there some famous William long time ago that was called Bill?

I even asked this from my english teacher and she had no clue... so I'm counting on you!

 

[AlphaWolf]

http://www.behindthename.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?terms=bill

 

[jandar]

you could be named Jack and people think your first name is John or Johnathon...


how the hell did Jack from from John? (ie JFK?)

 

[epicstruggle]

i always thought Richard <=> Dick, was weird.

later,
epic

 

[Mendel]

Very interesting website indeed! Thanks, somewhat explains things.

btw:

DICK m English
Pronounced: DIK
Medieval short form of RICHARD. The change in the initial consonant is said to have been caused by the way the trilled Norman R was pronounced by the English.

 

[Mendel]

how the hell did Jack from from John? (ie JFK?)

JACK m English
Pronounced: JAK
Medieval pet form of JOHN. American writers Jack London and Jack Kerouac were two famous bearers of this name.

I somehow don't find John the Ripper very frightening.

 

[Humus]

I somehow don't find John the Ripper very frightening.

[Lame UT Joke]

How about John the rocket launcher?

[/Lame UT Joke]

 

[Mariner]

Thanks for the link to that site AlphaWolf.

I spent a few minutes trying to input the more obscure names of people I know and most were included!