By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 27 pages
of 27
Diminutive of Winifred or Winslet
Win might be an upbeat short form for a girl named Winifred or the new-fangled Winslet, or can stand on its own. The Welsh name Wynn feels more complete and sounds the same.
English, uncertain origin
Emily substitute, though it sounds like a child's mispronunciation of "enemy".
Diminutive of Henrietta, English
"estate ruler"
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
English
"joyful"
Faine is a very unusual one-syllable option.
Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German
"peaceful ruler"
Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness. The name…
"spear man"
While not generally thought of as unisex, this is a male name that, like Perry and Barry, has occasionally been used for girls over the years.
English variation of Jennifer
Does not improve on the pretty but overused favorite.
English, combination of Georgia and Anna
With the first two syllables pronounced Georgie, it has a stylish Masterpiece Theatre air.
"farmer + grace"
An English combination of George and Anne or a feminization of George, more familiar in the elegant Georgiana form.
English, diminutive of Geraldine
Gerry was hep along with poodle skirts and banana splits.
"covered with gold"
Gilda, although related to the words gold and gilded, has definitely tarnished. It once shimmered with the seductive image of Rita Hayworth in the film Gilda, then was associated with the beloved…
"God's gift"
Whether you think of the chocolates or the naked long-haired lady on the horse, Godiva is a name with baggage no child should have to carry.
Literature, English
"modest, reverant"
While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the…
English elaboration of Ida
Makes Ida more feminine but no more fashionable.
English variation of Edina
"from Edinburgh, Scotland"
Made famous by actress Idina Menzel, of "Rent" and "Wicked" fame.
English surname
Brings Jennifer into the twenty-first century.
English, diminutive of Katherine
"pure"
This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century. With the current mini-craze for animal-related…
English female form of Leontios, Greek
"lion"
Almost exclusively associated with opera diva Leontyne Price. If you want to use the suddenly-stylish Leontyne, we'd recommend the French Leontine spelling.
English variation of Letitia
"joy, gladness"
Lettice is still occasionally heard in upper-class British families, but we fear it would cause too much salad-green teasing to be considered in the U.S. Calling your little Lettice Lettie could help…
Diminutive of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary…
