All Traditional Filipino Nicknames and Origins

Filipinos are good at naming their kids, and usually, they also make good nicknames for them. Filipinos are very creative and sometimes think of unique, funny, or unusual nicknames for their kids. Sometimes it is based on a current event or periodically based on a significant event. 

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, nicknames come in various forms and words. Most nicknames are traditionally reserved for the youngest siblings. Some of the most common nicknames for boys are Totoy, Boboy, or Nonoy, and for girls, the most common are Ineng, Inday, or Neneng. 

Most Filipino parents already prepare a nickname like preparing for their child’s real name. For Filipinos, calling you by your nickname elicits a sense of familiarity. Politicians also use a nickname to appear more approachable to their constituents. To furtherly check about Filipino nicknames, check more details below.

List of Filipino Nicknames and Where They are Derived

Why Do Filipinos Like to Make Nicknames?

Filipinos are very creative in naming their kids, just like how clever they make their kids’ real names. Filipinos like to give nicknames since it suggests a sense of familiarity, or for Filipino politicians, make them look approachable if they use nicknames. 

Moreover, celebrities use their nicknames if that nickname is attractive and amusing for their fans. I have listed some reasons why Filipinos like nicknames or use their nicknames.

Sense of Familiarity

Filipinos use nicknames to denote a sense of familiarity and close family ties. Most Filipino families call their female kids Neneng, Inday, or Nene. For males, the most common nickname is Totoy, Dodoy, or Nonoy. Only family members or those who are close to you can call this. 

Also, some of those who know you may give you nicknames as they know you well. They may call you based on the most familiar and significant attributes you have. For example, if you are beautiful, most people in your area may call you ganda. Some may call you that way since that is your attribute, and they are familiar with your features.

To be More Approachable

Most Filipino politicians use nicknames to make them appear approachable. In many election campaigns, politicians use their nickname instead of their real name, as you may notice. They create or use nicknames that are easy to memorize and a nickname that appears to be familiar to many.

There are many Filipino Politicians that use their nicknames instead of their real names like Bongbong Marcos, Erap Estrada, Cory Aquino, Ninoy Aquino, P-Noy, Manny Pacquiao and Leni Robredo.

To Have an Attractive Stage Name

Performers, celebrities, and TV personalities use their nickname as their stage name to look amusing, attractive, and straightforward. They tend to use simple words to pronounce and remember their names quickly.

There are many celebrities that use their nicknames and their stage names like Heart Evangelista, Lorna Tolentino, Dingdong Dantes, and Lot-lot de Leon

Takeaways

Filipinos like to give their kinds of nicknames. They do this with a specific purpose and sometimes to quickly pronounce and say their names, especially if their kids have a lengthy name. Filipinos create a nickname not only for family members but also for others they find familiar.

Nickname suggests a sense of familiarity for Filipinos, making them appear approachable, especially for politicians, and amusing their stage names.