I was working on a consultation recently where I’d suggested Bonaventure — an unusual suggestion, but I thought it made sense for the family — but I was stuck on nickname ideas! My first idea was Ben, which I think is probably my favorite idea, but I also thought Bona (said like BON-na, not BO-na) and Bo could work, and even Bonnie — it could have the same feel to me as Jackie (like Robinson) and Connie (like Mack). But that was all I came up with! Maybe Vinnie? From the -ven- part? Nate? Because the letters are all there?
Of course, I had to turn to my favorites for additional ideas: all of you! Do you know anyone named Bonaventure, and if so, does he go by a nickname? Have you ever considered Bonaventure for a son, and if so, did you consider nicknames? I’m all ears!
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Sancta Nomina 
I also thought about Nate or Nat (like King Cole). Also maybe: Tony, Avi, Tor, Bono (too U2?).
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I know a Steven Jr. who goes by Ven. I think Ven for Bonaventure could be cool.
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Ben works! Vinny/Vinnie, pronounced slightly more like “Venny” is good!
Benty
Navy
Venture
Novo
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Venture— like that!
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Bravo — through rearrangement of the various letters in Bonaventure.
Lucky — Bonaventure means “good fortune” or “good luck.”
Interesting random fact — actor Spencer Tracy’s middle name was Bonaventure.
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I was going to comment that Bonaventure is a little grand for my naming style but would make a great middle name— Brooks Bonaventure, Henry Bonaventure, Clark Bonaventure etc sound great.
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Lucky was what I was going to suggest – for the same reason.
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Nav
Or just B
(I have a friend who calls her daughter Hannah “H”.)
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I’d probably just keep it simple with Bon, rhymes with Jon.
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Yes, the only Bonaventure I have ever seen in the wild (on instagram, big catholic family with adventurous names, now college aged) goes by Bon.
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