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Short Baby Names

  1. Seb

    • Origin:

      Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "God of the earth"

    • Description:

      This name, more recognized as a short form of Sebastian, is perfectly usable a cool full name, and, in fact, ranks on the UK popularity list. Seb is getting lot of attention as the nickname name of the Ryan Gosling character in the hit film La La Land.
  2. Sid

    • Origin:

      Short form of Sidney, French

    • Meaning:

      "Saint-Denis"

    • Description:

      Sid originated as a nickname for Sidney, but we like it on its own, a la Sara Quin's and Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen's sons. Sid Vicious, member of the band the Sex Pistols, gives this name a punk rock vibe.
  3. Sol

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Norse

    • Meaning:

      "sun"

    • Description:

      A short and sweet Spanish and Portuguese name, meaning "sun". Sol has been used on its own for centuries (it belongs to one of the daughters in the 10th-11th century Spanish epic poem "El Cantar de mio Cid"), and it is also found as a short form of the Marian names María del Sol and María de la Soledad, and of the related names Marisol and Soledad. A famous bearer is Argentine TV presenter (María) Sol Perez.
  4. Abe

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Abraham. Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      Old-time nickname that's following in the fashionable footsteps of cronies Jake and Sam. Abe feels both fresher and cuter -- which is maybe the same thing? -- than those choices right now. You can also get to Abe via Abel, which may prove a friendlier formal name than the gray-bearded Abraham.
  5. Art

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Arthur

    • Meaning:

      "noble one; bear man"

    • Description:

      Though short and brisk, no nickname name could have a more creative image. Comic actor Chris O'Dowd named his son Art, as in his native Ireland it's used as a name on its own, separate from Arthur., coming from an ancient word for ""a bear,"" and used in the sense of ""outstanding warrior"" or ""champion."" A pagan High King of Ireland, Art’s rule was so honest that two angels hovered over him in battle.
  6. Ted

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Theodore or Edward, Greek or English

    • Meaning:

      "gift of god; rich guard"

    • Description:

      Like Ed, Eddie and Teddy, Ted is rarely used as an independent name – in the US, at least. In the UK, Eddie ranks just outside the Top 200, Teddy ranks just outside the Top 30, and Ted is a Top 200 pick.
  7. Noe

    • Origin:

      Greek, Georgian, and Latin variation of Noah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "rest, repose"

    • Description:

      The Old Testament Noah has been so popular for so long that variations are becoming popular too. Noe is a streamlined form used in Greek and Latin Bibles, and in Georgia too. Spelled as more often as Noé, it is also popular across France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain.
  8. Avi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father"

    • Description:

      Avi, the short form of many Hebrew names, is often used on its own in Israel. It entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.
  9. Cia

    • Origin:

      English or Swedish diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Cecilia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; blind"

    • Description:

      What's Cia short for? Cynthia or most any other C-name. Stylish in its sleek Mia-Nia minimalist feel, but may remind some of the Central Intelligence Agency.
  10. Jet

    • Origin:

      Mineral and word name

    • Description:

      This super-charged variation of Jett is on the rise -- along with the unlikely newcomer Jetson.
  11. Al

    • Description:

      Al is a masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with 'Al,' such as Albert (meaning 'noble and bright'), Alfred ('wise counselor'), Alexander ('defender of the people'), or Alvin ('noble friend'). With its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, Al projects a friendly, approachable quality that has made it enduringly popular as a nickname throughout the 20th century. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-1900s and carries associations with a generation of reliable, hardworking men. Al's simplicity gives it a timeless quality, though in recent decades it has become less common as a standalone given name, with parents more likely to use it as a familiar nickname for longer Al- names.

  12. Jo

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      The name Jo still evokes the spunky image of the character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Its literary status makes Jo one of the OG boyish nicknames for girls, ala Frankie, Billie, and Stevie. If you like that form, you can lengthen it to Joey.
  13. Tor

    • Origin:

      Variation of Thor, also Hebrew for "Turtledove"

    • Meaning:

      "Turtledove"

    • Description:

      An interesting and attractive bicultural choice--the Hebrew version is used for babies born in spring, when turtledoves arrive--especially as a middle.
  14. Liz

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Some might think a girl named Liz on her birth certificate would feel deprived of her full identity, but in a time when mini names like Liv, Kit, Tru, Kai, Lou, and Bea are in style, Liz feels substantial enough that its bearer won't feel bereft.
  15. Io

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      Io may be one of the slightest names in the book, but there aren't many two-letter names with as much substance as this Greek mythological example. Io, a name used for the largest moon of Jupiter, was in classic myth raped by Zeus and escaped from him by changing herself into a cow.
  16. Dot

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Dorothy

    • Description:

      Old-fangled nickname could make dot.com era short form or middle name.
  17. Oak

    • Origin:

      English tree name

    • Meaning:

      "tree from the genus Quercus"

    • Description:

      Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle.
  18. Moe

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Moses

    • Meaning:

      "delivered"

    • Description:

      If Gus and Max have made it, why not Moe? Can it be the lingering Three Stooges effect? We think that Moe, like Joe, is one of the friendliest and most open of regular guy nickname names and should get a little more attention.
  19. Luz

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      Pronounced LOOSE, this name that refers to the Virgin Mary—"Our Lady of Light"—is one of the most widely used Spanish name for girls. Its sleekness and stylish final z gives it a modern appeal, like sister name Lux. Nicknames and variations include Chitta, Lucecita, Lucelida, Lucelita, Lucha, Lucida, Lucila, Lusa, and Luzana.
  20. Ken

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Kenneth; Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "born of fire or handsome; healthy and strong"

    • Description:

      In many minds this one belongs to Barbie, but with such positive meanings and international connections, can Ken make the transition to usability again?