Lojban Cunrafsi Names
- Jen
Description:
Jen is a short, crisp feminine name that originated primarily as a diminutive of Jennifer, though it can also be a nickname for names like Jenna, Jenny, or Genevieve. The root name Jennifer comes from the Welsh 'Gwenhwyfar,' meaning 'white wave' or 'fair spirit.' Jen gained independent usage during the 1970s and 1980s when Jennifer was at peak popularity, with some parents choosing to put just 'Jen' on the birth certificate. Its simplicity and directness appeal to those preferring unpretentious, straightforward names. While Jen's popularity as a stand-alone name has declined since the 1990s, it maintains appeal for its brevity and friendly, approachable quality. The name carries a casual confidence and remains recognizable without being overly common as a formal name.
- Ron
Origin:
Short form of Ronald, NorseMeaning:
"ruler's counselor"Description:
Ron is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of longer names like Ronald, Aaron, or Byron. Ronald, its most common source, derives from the Old Norse 'Rögnvaldr,' meaning 'ruler's advisor' or 'decision maker.'
- Sim
Origin:
Scottish diminutive of SimonMeaning:
"the listener"Description:
The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.
- Baz
Origin:
Diminutive of Sebastian or Basil; KurdishMeaning:
"regal; falcon"Description:
As Bas, it's a popular name in The Netherlands, but Baz, as in director Luhrmann, has potential for independent life too.Curiously, Australian-born Moulin Rouge director Luhrmann was born neither Sebastian nor Basil, but had the name Mark Anthony on his birth certificate; his nickname arose from his supposed resemblance to a British TV fox puppet named Basil Brush.
- Cam
Origin:
Diminutive of Cameron, ScottishMeaning:
"crooked nose"Description:
Cameron is still more popular as a boy's name than a girls and this simple, snappy short form works well for either sex.
- Mel
Origin:
English, diminutive of MelvinMeaning:
"council protector"Description:
Though most Mels are playing pinochle with Murray and Morris, there was a notable Saint Mel. He is one of the earliest Irish saints, a nephew of St. Patrick. He became a priest, then built a great monastery where he served as abbot.
- Tim
Origin:
Diminutive of Timothy, GreekMeaning:
"honoring God"Description:
Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.
- Jun
Origin:
Chinese, KoreanMeaning:
"ruler, talented, handsome"Description:
A simple and charismatic Chinese and Korean name, also spelled Joon.
- Nan
Origin:
English, diminutive of NancyDescription:
Bobbsey Twins-era nickname name that could find new life via Nan, heroine of The Nanny Diaries. Nan was also the nickname of Annabel St George, the protagonist of Edith Wharton's novel "The Buccaneers".
- Bev
Description:
Bev is primarily a feminine name that originated as a short form of Beverly, which was initially an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'beaver stream.' This concise, single-syllable name carries a friendly, approachable quality that became particularly popular in the mid-20th century. Bev gained independent usage during the 1950s and 1960s when nickname forms were often given as formal names. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Bev retains a vintage charm and unpretentious warmth. It exemplifies the mid-century trend of short, efficient names and continues to be appreciated for its simplicity and nostalgic appeal.
- Red
Origin:
Color nameDescription:
Fiery but slight middle name choice; much more apt to be a redhead's nickname.
- Ric
Description:
Ric is a short, punchy masculine name that typically serves as a diminutive of Richard, though it occasionally stands alone as an independent given name. Richard comes from Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' or 'strong' and 'ruler,' literally translating to 'strong ruler' or 'brave power.' This abbreviated form gained some usage in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, reflecting the trend toward shorter, more casual names. Ric carries the powerful heritage of its parent name while offering a more modern, streamlined option. Notable bearers include musicians like Ric Ocasek of The Cars, which has helped maintain the name's contemporary appeal despite its ancient roots.
- Paz
Origin:
Hebrew; SpanishMeaning:
"gold; peace"Description:
Paz, currently represented by actresses Paz Vega and Paz de la Huerts, would make a sparkling middle name choice. It originated as a title of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, and is one of the names that mean peace, derived from the Latin word "pax".
- Cat
Origin:
Diminutive of Catherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
- Jem
Origin:
Diminutive of Jemma or JemimaMeaning:
"gem; dove"Description:
There was an eighties cartoon queen named Jem (& The Holograms), and this is as likely to be a full name as a short form – deriving from Jemma, Jemima or Jameela.
- Nur
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"light"
- Roz
Description:
Roz is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive of longer names like Rosalind, Rosemary, or Rose. With Hebrew and Latin influences, it connects to the classic flower name Rose, which symbolizes love and beauty. Roz gained notable recognition in American popular culture through the character Roz Doyle in the television series 'Frasier' during the 1990s. While sometimes used as an independent given name, Roz is more commonly employed as a nickname. The name has a snappy, efficient quality with its single syllable and punchy 'z' ending, giving it a modern feel despite its traditional roots. For parents seeking a short, distinctive name with connections to the enduring Rose family of names, Roz offers simplicity with subtle sophistication.
- Kir
Origin:
Russian variation of Cyrus, PersianMeaning:
"sun"Description:
As attractive and straightforward as Kir may be, you may wish to go with the Irish spelling Keir (of different origins), due to Kir's association with the French cocktail.
- Nat
Origin:
English, diminutive of Nathan or NathanielDescription:
Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.
- Deb
Origin:
English diminutive of Deborah, HebrewMeaning:
"bee"Description:
During the heyday of Deborah, Debra, and Debra — the late 1950s and early 60s — there were enough baby girls named Deb, just Deb, for it to make the Top 1000.
