Re nicknames, it seems that R's often turn into L's , as in the change from Sarah to Sally or Harry to Hal and Dorothy to Dolly.
Similarly, although less frequently, M's sometimes turn into P's, as in Margaret to Peggy. Put them together, change the vowel and Mary becomes Polly.
These changes are based on the simplified forms that babies use when pronouncing multi-syllable names as they first learn to talk. These nursery or pet names were originally limited to use in the home or among very close friends as they were not considered appropriate forms of address for proper men and ladies.
However, some became so popular that they began to be accepted as first names in their own right during the 18th century.
Similarly, although less frequently, M's sometimes turn into P's, as in Margaret to Peggy. Put them together, change the vowel and Mary becomes Polly.
These changes are based on the simplified forms that babies use when pronouncing multi-syllable names as they first learn to talk. These nursery or pet names were originally limited to use in the home or among very close friends as they were not considered appropriate forms of address for proper men and ladies.
However, some became so popular that they began to be accepted as first names in their own right during the 18th century.
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