The value of a good nickname cannot be overstated. Sometimes the nicknames can completely overtake the given name. Sometimes a person's identity can be so closely tied to said nickname, that not using it would be considered odd. We have a person in our presence that needs a nickname that can encompass so many things and communicate much more.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Wise words from that wise guy, Shakespeare. What we call something has no impact on the thing itself.