Nicknames for Girls

  1. Nan
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nancy
    • Description:

      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".
  2. Loie
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "understanding"
    • Description:

      Unique and unusual as a nickname and a stand-alone name, Loie is a vintage choice worth reviving. It is traditionally used as a short form of Lois and Louise but would work as a nickname for any Lo- starting name, or even names such as Laura, Eloise, and Charlotte.
  3. Gabby
    • Description:

      Gabby is a feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a familiar diminutive for Gabrielle, Gabriella, or Abigail. Derived ultimately from the Hebrew name Gabriel, meaning 'God is my strength,' Gabby projects a friendly, approachable personality. The name rose in popularity during the late 20th century as parents increasingly chose casual-sounding names as official given names. Gabby carries a cheerful, energetic quality that often matches its meaning in slang as someone who is talkative. In sports contexts, the name gained visibility through notable athletes like Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. While maintaining its casual charm, Gabby offers versatility as its bearer can always opt for a more formal version in professional settings.

  4. Flo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Florence, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "flourishing, prosperous"
    • Description:

      Flo is an antiquated nickname not often used these days, possibly because "Aunt Flo" is a euphemism for a period.
  5. Zibby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Description:

      Zibby is the adorable, zippy nickname for Elizabeth used for the lead female character in the film "Liberal Arts." Zibby can make a Libby for the 21st century.
  6. Drea
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexandrea or Andrea
    • Description:

      Introduced via Sopranos star Drea (born Andrea) de Matteo, and catching on with a wider audience.
  7. Hazy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive form of Hazel, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "the hazelnut tree; foggy, misty atmosphere"
    • Description:

      Weather inspired choices from Sunny to Stormi are currently in vogue, and Hazy could be a contender to replace 70s star Misty. Referring to fog and dry, dusty air, "haze" is an atmospheric phenomenon in which the visibility of the sky is obscured, in turn evoking imagery of hazy, summer days. Alternatively, it might be used a diminutive of popular Hazel, inspired by the likes of Daisy and Maisie.
  8. Chani
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Channah or Chandra, Hebrew or Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "grace or goddess of the moon"
    • Description:

      Chani, which rhymes with Johnny, is famous as the name of the character played by Zendaya in the Dune books, video games, and movies. Another force driving the name's use is Canadian astrologer Chani Nicholas.
  9. Minta
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name
    • Description:

      Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel.
  10. Rilda
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of names ending -rilda
    • Meaning:

      "battle"
    • Description:

      With a hint of ruggedness and strength about it, but quirky, retro vibes too, Rilda is a rare nickname name. Similar to Tilda or Hilda, it comes from names ending -rild or -rilda, such as Serilda, Everild, Arilda, or Astrild, though it might also be used for the likes of Sarahild, Reinhild, or Romilda. Regardless, it comes from the Old Norse or Germanic elements hildr and hilt, both meaning "battle".
  11. Cass
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cassandra or Cassia, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "shining or excelling man; cinnamon"
    • Description:

      Ties to the unfortunate Mama are now unraveling, leaving Cass or Cassie to stand on its own as a fresher sounding Cathy or Kate. With gender-neutral names abound and the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls, Cass may be on the up and up.
  12. Kota
    • Origin:

      English, Native American
    • Meaning:

      "allies, friends"
    • Description:

      Also used as an exclusively masculine name in Japan and India, as an English name, Kota likely derives from the poplar Dakota. Similar in sound and feel to Kali, Noa, Kora, Koa, and the aforementioned Dakota, it started to be quietly given to girls in the late 2000s.
  13. Franny
    • Origin:

      Latin, diminutive of Frances
    • Meaning:

      "from France or free man"
    • Description:

      If Frances and Fran are too serious for you, and Fanny too saucy, you might like Franny, still identified by some with J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey stories.
  14. Sebbie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Sebastiane, Sebastia, and Sebastienne, Latin, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "person from Sebastia"
    • Description:

      A nickname style choice inspired by the popular boy name Sebastian, Sebbie has the zippy feel of Libby and Effie, the rugged charm of Stevie and Frankie, and the cutesy feel of Sunny and Mimi. Rarely used as a standalone name, it is borne by a (female) character in Ransom Riggs' book series, Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children.
  15. Keedie
    • Origin:

      Invented name, Scottish surname, diminutive of Katherine
    • Meaning:

      "of the red earth; pure"
    • Description:

      Like a blend of vintage-style Edie and popular Katie, Keedie is either an invented name, a variant of the Scottish surname Keddy, or possibly a short form of Katherine.
      In the case of Soprano singer Keedie Babb, her name was a creation of her father's, inspired by his love of pop star, Kiki Dee. As a variation of the Scottish surname, Keedie would ultimately derive from the Gaelic Mac Adaidh, meaning "the son of Adam" or "son of the red earth". As a diminutive of Katherine, Keedie likely draws inspiration from Kitty, Katie, Kadie, or Kiki.
  16. Magdi
    • Origin:

      Hungarian
    • Meaning:

      "from Magdala"
    • Description:

      Magdi is a cute Hungarian nickname name, short for Magdolna, the Hungarian form of Magdalene. While it isn't traditionally used on its own, its cute sound similar to stand-alone Magda or the familiar Maggie makes it an attractive choice. A notable namesake is Hungarian singer Magdolna "Magdi" Rúzsa.
  17. Fliss
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Felicity
    • Meaning:

      "good fortune, happy"
    • Description:

      Gentle yet sassy, Fliss is a short form of Felicity that has the spark of Flick, the softness of Lissy, and the cutesiness of Fifi.
  18. Lil
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lillian and Lily, flower name
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      Spunky old vaudeville era nickname name suddenly sounds new again.