i never really nicknamed any pokes since red. but i always nickname my starters shortend versions of there names:
oshawatt: oshy
charmander: charmi
bulbasaur: bulba
squirtle:squirt(DUH!)
didn't have nicks for all the ones in 2nd gen but i did have cindiquil as "cinder" either way i enjoy nicking starters!
Pure Win.
Do hard things. Never leave your man card at the door.