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Vintage Nicknames for Girls

  1. Gert

    • Origin:

      Short form of Gertrude, German

    • Meaning:

      "strength of a spear"

    • Description:

      Gert is an old school nickname for one of the oldest school names, Gertrude. Only the most adventurous, so-far-out-it's-in baby namers will choose Gertrude or Gert today, but it's definitely geek chic.
  2. Retta

    • Description:

      Retta is a feminine name with multiple origins. Most commonly, it serves as a diminutive of names ending in "-retta" such as Henrietta, Loretta, or Margaretta. The name has Italian roots as well, where it can be short for Margherita. Retta carries a vintage charm reminiscent of the early 20th century, when abbreviated names were fashionable. Though never extremely common in the United States, it experienced modest usage in the early 1900s before declining in popularity. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its soft sounds and brevity. In recent years, Retta has gained some recognition through comedian and actress Retta (born Marietta Sangai Sirleaf), known for her role on "Parks and Recreation." The name offers a blend of classic appeal and uncommon distinctiveness for modern parents.

  3. Winnet

    • Origin:

      American diminutive of Winifred, Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "blessed peacemaking"

    • Description:

      Winnet is a long-forgotten nickname for Winifred that was used in the US in the 18th and 19th centuries. These days, it's more often found in South Africa.
  4. Bidu

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bridget

    • Meaning:

      "strength, power"

    • Description:

      Uncommon choice too reminiscent of "bidet". Try Bridie instead.
  5. Rilda

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of names ending -rilda

    • Meaning:

      "battle"

    • Description:

      With a hint of ruggedness and strength about it, but quirky, retro vibes too, Rilda is a rare nickname name. Similar to Tilda or Hilda, it comes from names ending -rild or -rilda, such as Serilda, Everild, Arilda, or Astrild, though it might also be used for the likes of Sarahild, Reinhild, or Romilda. Regardless, it comes from the Old Norse or Germanic elements hildr and hilt, both meaning "battle".
  6. Flory

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "blooming, flowering"

    • Description:

      Florence is back, and the adorable short form Flory (or Florie) is too. Or you could just choose Flora and cover all bases with one stroke.
  7. Floy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Florence

    • Meaning:

      "flourishing, prosperous"

    • Description:

      All but unheard of today, Floy was a popular Florence nickname used on its own in a century ago: it was Number 448 in 1914. Charles Dickens uses Floy as a pet name for the character Florence Dombey in his novel Dombey and Son. It has a jaunty edge to it, that could make it appeal to those who enjoy less frilly girl names.
  8. Beah

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Beatrice, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings happiness"

    • Description:

      A rarely seen member of the Beatrice clan, with its own distinctive charm.
  9. Mame

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mary or Margaret

    • Description:

      Has a dotty, antic feel via dotty, antic Auntie Mame.
  10. Mabs

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mabel

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful lover"

    • Description:

      You can just hear some sassy dame in a 1930s movie using this name. We prefer the original -- or even its original, Amabel.
  11. Mago

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margaret, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      So many short forms of Margaret, from Peggy all the way through Maggie and Megan, are outdated now that Mago has value simply by being undiscovered. But still, not very appealing.
  12. Tibbie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      An old-fashioned nickname that hasn't been heard in ages--Cute and unusual, but lacking the legs to stand on its own. Maybe save it for your kitten.
  13. Ouida

    • Origin:

      English diminutive

    • Description:

      This Victorian pen name is the childish version of the novelist's real name, Louisa, but it has managed to gain a sophisticated image. Ouisa is a similar childhood nickname name.
  14. Tacy

    • Origin:

      American invented name

    • Description:

      Looks very much like it lost its first initial.
  15. Biddie

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish diminutive of Bridget, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "strength, exalted one"

    • Description:

      Vintage short form of Bridget, very rarely still heard in Irish Catholic communities.
  16. Fee

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Fiona

    • Description:

      Too fiscal.
  17. Nelie

    • Description:

      Nelie is a feminine name that likely originated as a variant of Nelly or Nellie, which themselves are diminutives of names like Helen, Eleanor, or Cornelia. With Greek roots, if derived from Helen, it carries the meaning of 'shining light' or 'bright one.' Nelie has a delicate, vintage charm that feels both sweet and distinctive. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but became less common as the decades progressed. This rarity makes it an appealing option for parents seeking a name with historical roots but uncommon in modern classrooms. Nelie has a melodious quality and friendly feel, balancing the line between formal and familiar with its gentle sound pattern.

  18. Hitty

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mehitabel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God rejoices"

    • Description:

      An old-school nickname for a rare biblical gem. Hetty is a more favorable option.
  19. Charty

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Charlotte, French

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      A Charlotte nickname heard much more often in Britain than here — American parents might prefer Charlie or Lottie.
  20. Cinda

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cynthia or Lucinda

    • Description:

      Cindy for the 21st century.