Nicknames are sometimes a source of confusion for genealogists, but really they are quite easy to understand. Just remember that "Rick" is a nickname for "Richard," when it is not serving that purpose for "Frederick," of which "Fred" is the usual diminutive, and so also of "Alfred," which more often is shortened to "Al"—also a nickname for "Albert," though "Bert" is sometimes preferred, as it is for "Bertram."
"Elizabeth" is always shortened to "Lizzie"—except when "Eliza," "Liza (or Lisa)," "Liz (or Lis)," "Lizbeth (or Lisbeth)," "Libby," "Beth," "Bess," "Bessie," "Betsey," "Betty," "Ella," "Ellie," "Elsa," or "Elsie" is used.
One should also be aware of non-standard nicknames used in some regions. In my own neighborhood there lived men called Squeak, Pinky, Porky, Wimpy, and Booger—only one whom answered cordially to his nickname.
You can check for your own family's nicknames at Edgar's Name Pages.
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