why is it that a shortform for Robert is Bob? there're lots of other shortforms for it, like Rob, Robby, and Bert?????? and why is William's shortform Bill? they're lots of other shortforms for it too. do any of you know why? Robert aka Bob
We had a chat about this a while ago - people seemed to agree that it's simply an easy sound for babies and very young children to make. Like the P sound, which is how you get Peggy from Margaret and Polly from Mary.