The 20 Coolest Nicknames in History

Attila the Hun struck absolute terror into the heart of the Roman Empire. This terrifying nickname perfectly reflected his reputation for brutality. His contemporaries sincerely believed that he had been sent as divine punishment to destroy their civilization, so invincible were his armies.

Louis Armstrong completely revolutionized the world of jazz. But his famous nickname was originally just a bit of childhood teasing. He was first called “Satchelmouth” because of his wide, expressive smile, and that nickname was later shortened.

Joan of Arc was still just a teenager when, guided by divine visions, she led the French armies to a resounding victory during the Hundred Years’ War. This inspiring book tells the story of the city she saved from an English siege, an act that immediately made her a national heroine.

Otto von Bismarck spent the late 19th century devoting all his energy to uniting a multitude of scattered states into a powerful German Empire. His strict and unyielding approach to international politics made him one of the most feared diplomats in Europe. This steely title perfectly matched his stubborn refusal to give up even an inch of ground.

Eugene Bullard made history as the world’s first African American military pilot. He flew dangerous combat missions for France during World War I. He had painted a striking emblem on his plane and fought with unwavering courage that left his comrades speechless.

Long before he became a global icon, the young Muhammad Ali dominated the world of boxing under his birth name, Cassius Clay. He had already forged this unique, lesser-known reputation from the very beginning of his career. He had no trouble circling his opponents, even when the open-air ring was made slippery by the rain.

Charles Martel earned a legendary reputation by repelling an advancing army at the Battle of Tours in 732. He lived up to his uncompromising nickname by crushing his political and military opponents. His victories laid the foundation for the famous Carolingian Empire.

Agatha Christie wrote dozens of brilliant mystery novels that kept readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. That is what earned her the undisputed title of “Queen of the Genre.” Her incredible talent for crafting complex mysteries made her the best-selling fiction author of all time.

From his famous research laboratory in New Jersey, Thomas Edison completely transformed modern daily life. People began to call him “the magician”—mainly because the rapid succession of inventions coming out of his workshop, such as the phonograph and the light bulb, seemed like magic to the general public.

William Gladstone served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom four times during Queen Victoria’s long reign. His political rival, Benjamin Disraeli, sarcastically twisted the meaning of his popular nickname. But the public used it out of genuine affection for his decades of public service.

Red Grange became a true college football legend in the 1920s. He achieved this by literally making a mockery of opposing defenders on the field. An imaginative sportswriter gave him this ominous nickname because he moved with such speed and fluidity that he seemed completely invisible to those trying to tackle him.

It is well known that Elizabeth I chose never to marry. For decades, she skillfully used her single status as a diplomatic asset in her dealings with rival European nations. This elegant title helped forge a powerful, almost divine public image that united her kingdom.

Jenny Lind was an opera singer who sparked a veritable craze among the public. She achieved this success during a tour of the United States in the mid-19th century, under the guidance of P.T. Barnum. People were so captivated by the incredible purity of her voice that they gave her this nickname.

Joseph Stalin abandoned his original Georgian surname, which was too complicated. He then adopted this industrial-sounding pseudonym to give himself an aura of total invincibility. He wanted a name that sounded incredibly tough, revolutionary, and completely unshakable.

Florence Nightingale completely revolutionized modern nursing. She did so by caring for British soldiers wounded during the terrible Crimean War. She earned her magnificent nickname because she would tirelessly walk the dark hospital corridors at night, a small lantern in hand, to watch over her patients.

Babe Ruth completely revolutionized baseball in the 1920s. He did so by hitting home runs at a pace never seen before. Sports journalists coined this rhyming nickname to pay tribute to his ability to send baseballs flying over the stadium fences.

Prince Henry of Portugal did not, in fact, undertake many sea voyages himself. But he earned his famous title by financing the expeditions that marked the beginning of the Age of Discovery. He founded a state-of-the-art school specializing in cartography and navigation, which enabled Portuguese sailors to explore the uncharted coasts of Africa.

Sarah Bernhardt was the first true international superstar actress. She captivated audiences across Europe and America with her intense and dramatic performances. Both her admirers and her critics bestowed this heavenly title upon her, for her stage presence was so captivating that it seemed almost supernatural.

Charlie Parker forever changed the course of modern jazz. He did so by pioneering the complex and frenzied style known as bebop. There are a dozen different theories about the origin of his nickname “Bird,” ranging from his love of fried chicken to his light, soaring saxophone melodies.