How did they get that nickname?

Question

How do you get Bob from Robert, Bill from William, and d**k from Richard? Who were the firsts, and why those nicknames?? Also add any funny shortenings that you know of.

Answer 1

King Henry  V111 was known as "Good King Hal", try and work that one out .!!

Answer 2

Jack for John and Jim for James. I have no idea but am starring this as a very interesting topic.

Answer 3

I believe that Bill is a derivitive of Will, which is short for William.  With Richard, the short Rich becomes Rick, which becomes d**k.  Robert shortened to Rob, becomes Bob.  I'm not sure who the first was, but I believe that is the breakdown that created it.

Answer 4

How about Peggy as a nickname for Margaret...I don't get that one either.