Updated October 2026
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Short form of Cecilia or Celia
"blind or heavenly"
With the growing popularity of Celia and Cecilia, this vintage canasta-playing nickname name could be due for a comeback. Ceil had a few years of recorded popularity in the first decade of the…
Short form of Charlotta or Carlotta, forms of Charlotte, French
"free man"
This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?
Short form of Sigmund or Sigfried, German
"victorious protection or victorious peace"
Siggy is the softer side of Ziggy, a more familiar name thanks to Ziggy Marley.
Diminutive of Armando, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of Herman
"soldier"
Armando definitely makes Herman cooler and Mando or Mondo makes it cooler still. While Mando is usually short for Armando, it can be an abbreviation for any name containing Mando or Mondo.
French feminine form of Franciscus or Francis
"Frenchman"
Also spelled Françoise, this variation of Francis (or Frances) was popular in France in the mid-20th century.
Short form of Theodosia, Greek
"giving to God"
Dosia is rare but not foreign, especially since the antiquated name Theodosia was highlighted in the play Hamilton .
Latin, feminine form of Calvin
There are several better Cal- names that don't simply echo a male form.
Scottish form of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
This Katherine variation, used through Ireland and Scotland, is pronounced like Katrina. The name became popular after the Crusaders brought home stories about the colorful fourth century martyr,…
Finnish form of Henry; "estate ruler"
"estate ruler"
This cute Finnish name could make for a fun way to honour a relative named Henry. A notable namesake is racing driver Heikki Kovalainen.
Feminine form of Simon, Hebrew, Greek
"he has heard; flat nosed"
Frillier and more fanciful that Simone, this feminization of the classic Simon may appeal to those who want to honor a Simon but prefer the style of Aurelia, Evelina, Felicity, and Ophelia.
Diminute of Alfreda, feminine form of Alfred, English
"wise counselor"
If you're over Allie, consider Alfie. This nickname name has already made a splash as a top 20 pick for boys across the pond. But with the growing trend of scrappy tomboy names, Alfie makes a…
English word name or variation of Kay, diminutive of Caitlin, Catherine, etc.
"small island; pure"
Cay is a rare respelling of the retro nickname Kay, but one that may gain ground as a name that's both simple and unique. Like Kay, it can be a diminutive for any of the hundreds of Catherine…
Swedish, contracted form of Birgit
"high goddess"
Brisk but rather brittle. Britt Eklund was a Bond Girl in the 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun . Britt is a contracted form of Birgit, but be aware that it does come with the strong possibility of…
Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman, Latin
"cheerful"
Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary. Used as a masculine name in Finland, it is used, albeit quietly, as a unisex option…
Irish Gaelic
"fair lady, white lady"
The traditional Irish girl's name Bevin – an Anglicization of Bébhinn – is rarely heard outside the Emerald Isle, but could make an fresh and fashionable namesake for an Aunt Beverly.
Estonian and Finnish form of David, Hebrew
"beloved"
A compact yet impactful name, Taavi is an international variation of the Biblical classic David, notably used in Estonia and Finland. Estonian prime minister Taavi Rõivas was one bearer of the name.
Finnish form of Adolph, German
"noble wolf"
Adolph is of course a name that is shunned by most people around the world, but Aatu is a form that feels far enough away from the original to be usable.
Spanish form of Narcissa, Latin
"daffodil"
If you can tolerate the narcissist jokes, Narcisa or Narcissa are lovely and unique flower names, perfect for a springtime baby.
French form of Adelaide, Germanic
"noble kind"
The French form of the dignified Adelaide, Adélaïde has been borne by Belgian, French, and Luxembourgish nobility, along with musician Héloïse Adélaïde Letissier. It re-entered the French Top 500 in…
Norwegian and Swedish form of Christina, Latin
"follower of Christ, Christian"
A Swedish and Norwegian form of classic Christina, borne by opera singer Kjerstin Dellert and Instagrammer and interior decorator Kjerstin Marie, known for her social media handle, house_in_oslo .…