Lojban Cunrafsi Names
- Jim
Origin:
English, diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
- Rei
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"bell or beautiful"Description:
A sweet and simple Japanese name with several possible meanings, depending on the kanji characters used.
- 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.'
- 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.
- Pam
Origin:
Diminutive of Pamela, EnglishMeaning:
"all honey"Description:
This mild-mannered short form was Queen of the Prom in the fifties and sixties, but today is mostly heard on TV's The Office (and of course as one of the founders of Nameberry).
- Vin
Origin:
Diminutive of Vincent, LatinMeaning:
"conquering"Description:
Minimalist nickname via XXX star Diesel (born Mark Vincent).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flo
Origin:
Diminutive of Florence, LatinMeaning:
"flourishing, prosperous"Description:
Flo is an antiquated nickname not often used these days, possibly because "Aunt Flo" is a euphemism for a period.
- Jin
Description:
Jin is a masculine name with multicultural origins, most prominently associated with East Asian heritage. In Korean, Jin (진) means 'truth' or 'gold' depending on the Chinese character used. In Chinese, Jin (金) typically means 'gold' or 'metal,' symbolizing brightness and prosperity. In Japanese, the name can represent 'benevolence' or 'virtue.' This short, powerful name has gained international recognition while maintaining its cultural significance. Jin's simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across languages, adding to its appeal for multicultural families. While traditionally masculine in East Asian cultures, it occasionally appears as a unisex name in Western contexts. The name has seen increased global visibility through notable bearers, including members of K-pop groups and fictional characters in popular media.
- 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- Rik
Description:
Rik is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots, functioning as a short form of names containing the element 'ric' or 'rik' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' such as Richard, Frederik, Erik, or Henrik. This concise variant has been particularly popular in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavian countries. With just one syllable, Rik offers a strong, direct quality that contrasts with the more formal versions from which it derives. The name projects a friendly accessibility while maintaining masculine strength. Since the mid-20th century, Rik has occasionally been used as an independent given name rather than just a nickname, reflecting the modern preference for shorter names. Its simplicity makes it internationally transferable while its traditional roots give it substance and history.
- 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.
- Val
Origin:
Diminutive of Valentina, Valerie, etc, LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pru
Origin:
Diminutive of Prudence, virtue nameDescription:
With the return of the less obvious virtue names such as Verity and Prudence, vintage nickname names like Pru may follow in their wake.
