Abbreviations applicable to both Sexes

Robert E. Matheson
Varieties and Synonymes of Surnames and Christian Names in Ireland
1901
Chapter IV | Start of chapter

The following abbreviations are applicable to both sexes:—“Joe” for “Joseph,” “Josephine,” and “Johanna”; “Phil” for “Philip” and “Philomena”; “Fred” for “Frederick” and “Frederica”; “Matty” for Matthew” and “Matilda”; “Jemmie” for “James” and “Jemima”; “Harry” for “Henry” and “Harriett”; “Ally” for “Aloysius” and “Alice.”

In some cases contractions usually applied to one sex are applied to the other, such as—

“Edie” (usual contraction for “Edith” female name) for “Adam,” male.

“Elly” (usual contraction for “Ellen” or “Ella,” female name) for “Oliver,” male.

“Kitty” (usual contraction for “Catherine,” female name) for “Christopher,” male.

“Amy” (usual contraction for “Amelia,” female name) for “Ambrose,” male.

“Jerry” (usual contraction for “Jeremiah,” male name) for “Gertrude,” female.

“Lotty” (usual contraction for “Charlotte,” female name) for “Laughlin,” male.