Duke

Duke comes from an English title of nobility rather than from a traditional personal-name meaning. It has also been used as a nickname and an independent given name. Choosing it does not imply a hereditary title; the attraction may instead be a family association, a musical namesake, or its compact sound.

Jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington was born Edward Kennedy Ellington, while actor John Wayne also became known as Duke. These examples show how a nickname can acquire a public life of its own. The single-syllable name is already complete in everyday use and does not require an additional short form.