Why is Dick a nickname for Richard?
Answer:
a man named Richard may be nicknamed Dick because that is the traditional diminutive form of the name Richard. More recently, 'Rick' has also become commonplace.
The name Richard is very old and it's true origins may well be lost in the depths of time past. The name likely stems from Old English, since 'Ric' meant ruler and 'heard' meant hard. It is also feasible that with the advent of rhyming slang, Richard would be shortened to Rich and then to Rick and on to Dick. Much like William - Will - Bill.
'Dick' eventually, like 'Jack', came to mean one of the common men as in "every Tom, Dick, or Harry". Shakespeare uses "every Tom, Dick, or Francis" in Henry IV Part I.
The name Richard as well as the name Dirk comes from the name Theodoricus. When babtised in a Catholic church, one who is called Dirk, will have his name go down church records as Thedorus. People who are named Dirk, become Dick for friends. The Etimology Theodoricus, Ricus, Ricard, Ricardo, Diedericus, Dirck, Dick. And that's the only real answer to it!
Dick or Richard? You Decide:
