Frank Christian
The 2024/25 Premier League season marks the comeback of Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton, all of whom have successfully returned to the Premier League after competing in the EFL Championship.
Each of these clubs has history in England’s top football division since the Premier League started in 1992, although Ipswich had a two-decade hiatus from the top tier.
The other 17 teams playing this season are well-known to fans; however, how many of you can recognize their nicknames?
The Sporting News has compiled a list of all 20 Premier League clubs for the 2024/25 season, along with the origins of their nicknames.
2024/25 Premier League Club Nicknames
Club nicknames often have historical significance, and fans take great pride in them.
Arsenal — The Gunners
The nickname “The Gunners” comes from the formation of the club by munitions workers at the Royal Arsenal Factory in Woolwich, London, in 1886. The connection has endured, symbolized by the cannon featured on the club crest.
Aston Villa — The Villans
While it plays on the club’s name, “The Villans” has roots in local folklore regarding a character from the local newspaper in 1879. Though there are doubts about the character’s existence, the nickname remains popular among fans.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Villa, The Lions
Bournemouth — The Cherries
The nickname “The Cherries” has two main stories: it may be linked to the club’s red-striped home kit or its stadium’s proximity to an old cherry orchard near Dean Court.
Brentford — The Bees
The Bees nickname has its origins in the 1890s when local students shouted “up the Bs,” a phrase misheard by journalists, thus giving birth to the nickname.
Brighton & Hove Albion — The Seagulls
“The Seagulls” nickname appeared after a seagull image was added to the club’s badge in 1977, shifting away from the earlier “Dolphins.” The nickname also reflects a fan rivalry with Crystal Palace.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Albion
Chelsea — The Blues
The nickname “The Blues” corresponds to Chelsea’s traditional blue kit. Another nickname, “The Chelsea Pensioners,” honors the nearby Royal Chelsea Hospital associated with veteran pensions.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Pensioners
Crystal Palace — The Eagles
In 1974, the club transitioned from “The Glaziers” to “The Eagles” as part of a rebranding effort by manager Malcolm Allison, inspired by the Portuguese club Benfica and a new crest featuring an eagle.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Glaziers
Fulham — The Cottagers
The nickname “The Cottagers” is a tribute to their home ground, Craven Cottage, which has been in use since 1896 and stands on a historical hunting lodge site.
Everton — The Toffees
“The Toffees” nickname stems from the early 20th century’s Mother Noblett’s Toffee Shop in Everton, which sold Everton Mints, now a regular giveaway at Goodison Park.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Blues, The People’s Club, The School of Science
Ipswich Town — The Tractor Boys
Previously called “The Blues,” Ipswich is now affectionately known as “The Tractor Boys,” a nod to the agricultural history of Suffolk. Their derby with Norwich City is informally known as the Old Farm derby.
- Alternate Nicknames: Town, The Blues
Leicester City — The Foxes
Linked to the region’s heritage in foxhunting, Leicester City’s nickname stems from their emblem introduced in the 1940s. Originally founded as Leicester Fosse, the name wasn’t related to foxes.
Liverpool — The Reds
- Alternate Nicknames: Pool
Manchester City — The Cityzens
The nickname “The Cityzens” not only plays on the club’s name but also serves as a jab at Manchester United, emphasizing a local identity in contrast to United’s broader fan base.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Blues, The Sky Blues
Manchester United — The Red Devils
Post-Munich Air Disaster in 1958, Manchester United adopted “The Red Devils” nickname, following Sir Matt Busby’s vision to shift from the “Busby Babes.” The club badge began featuring a devil in 1970.
- Alternate Nicknames: United
Newcastle United — The Magpies
The nickname “The Magpies” comes from the club’s black and white striped jerseys, resembling the bird. A magpie has also appeared on the club crest in previous years.
- Alternate Nicknames: Toon Army, The Geordies
Nottingham Forest — Forest
Nottingham Forest’s nickname and club name are derived from their historic playing ground near Forest Recreation Ground with ties to the legends of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Reds, Tricky Trees, The Garibaldi
Southampton — The Saints
“The Saints” nickname is linked to their founding as the football team connected to St Mary’s Church, a landmark in the city with historical significance going back to the seventh century.
Tottenham — The Lilywhites
Tottenham’s nickname “The Lilywhites,” reflects the club’s traditional white home kit, although “Spurs” has become a commonly used name.
- Alternate Nicknames: Spurs
West Ham — The Hammers
West Ham is known as “The Hammers” and “The Irons,” nicknames dating back to the club’s origins in the Thames Ironworks.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Irons
Wolverhampton Wanderers — The Wolves
The club has been referred to as “The Wolves” almost since its inception in 1877, making it a straightforward and fitting nickname.
- Alternate Nicknames: The Wanderers
