The paper analyses metaphorical patterns of coining contemporary Russian anthroponymic nicknames representing the nominee's character and behaviour. It is concluded that the motives under analysis are more frequent within the static model Person is the bearer of qualities (56,5 %), the most frequent source domain being the domain of living beings (man: 46,7 %; animal: 31,5 %). 68 % of nicknames have negative connotations, prevailing in cases drawn from the source domains Man (37 %) and Lifeless thing (9,8 %).