This is probably not true. The concept of this phrase but referring to family is probably a modern confusion. There is no clear evidence it means it was really referencing ties to friends. Although I wish it did. Here’s some further reading from others also looking for a clearer reference.
My father went to high school with someone whose last name was Butts. His parents named him Harold and called him, and thus his friends called him, Harry. I always kind of thought it was a tall tale until my father showed me his high school yearbook one day And there was a picture of Harry Butts.
I always kind of wanted to meet this man and his wife and ask her if he lived up to his name.