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Shortened names increase a person's sex appeal, according to a new survey.

Researchers found that shortened nicknames can benefit both men and women. A new study revealed that shorter names are more attractive than longer ones.  Researchers said this was true in 72 percent of cases. 

Researchers found that 79 percent of men and 69 percent of women found shortened names more appealing, according to the study conducted by online dating site Badoo.

"Attractiveness online is not only about looks," said a spokesperson for Badoo, according to the Daily Mail. "Even the length of your name, it seems, may also make a surprising difference."

"Your name says a huge amount about you," said Jo Hemmings, a behavioral psychologist and dating coach, according to the Daily Mail. "People with abbreviated names appear more approachable and friendlier; less intimidating. A diminutive name gives a sense of warmth and informality."

Men who used shortened names like Mike, Matt, Phil or Chris got more female attention than those who named Michael, Matthew, Philip or Christopher respectively.  Women called Sue, Mandy or Sam also attracted more male attention than those named Susan, Amanda or Samantha.

Researchers said that the general preference for shortened names can also be seen in romantic novels whose male protagonists typically have short, one-syllable names.

Other studies found that the length and sound of a person's name can affect a person's income and their choice of husband or wife.

"People are slightly more likely to marry people whose names sound like their own, even if the similarity is just sharing a first initial," psychologist Jonathan Haidt wrote in his book The Happiness Hypothesis.