There is a lot of weirdness that goes on in the world of nicknames, but for to-day I will just focus on three common traditional English male names.

Robert can become Rob, but also Bob.

Richard can become Rick, but also Dick.

William can become Will, but also Bill.

What is it with this shortening, and then transmuting the first letter? I mean, I can understand the shortening, everyone does that, but the consonant swap? Why does W become B, and why does R become either B or D? Can a Robert become a Dob? Can a Richard become a Bick?

What of Bobert, Dichard, and Billiam? Were those ever names?