Vintage Nicknames for Girls

Kizzy remains the most popular spelling of the Keziah short form, at least in some part thanks to its appearance in the 1977 television show Roots.

Tib and Tibb originated in the 13th century as nicknames for Theobald (for boys) and Isabel and Isabella (for girls). As Isabel grew in popularity, Tib(b) was used more often on girls. By the 16th century, Tib was a term for a young girl, much like Tom was for young boys.

These days Sophie would be the most likely nickname for Sophronia, but back in Colonial times, Fronie was a common diminutive.

Barra is a Gaelic-speaking island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, that’s been inhabited since the Neolithic era. A male nickname for Finbarr in Ireland, as well as a stand-alone name, Barra was used by George R.R. Martin as a girl’s name. It means ‘fair-haired’.

Viney (and Viny) is an antiquated nickname for names with the "vin" component, such as Lavinia and Melvina.

Looks very much like it lost its first initial.

Some parents might like this energetic diminutive for Dorothy used in the Bush family, though the traditional Dottie and Dot seem to be coming back.

A Pam for the modern age, improved by a harder edge and a tad less prissiness.

A rarely seen member of the Beatrice clan, with its own distinctive charm.

Vintage short form of Bridget, very rarely still heard in Irish Catholic communities.

Moll is one of those names that is used all the time as a nickname for a nickname, but rarely put on the birth certificate. Moll Flanders is an eponymous 18th century novel by Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe,

Gert is an old school nickname for one of the oldest school names, Gertrude. Only the most adventurous, so-far-out-it's-in baby namers will choose Gertrude or Gert today, but it's definitely geek chic.

Debbie is decidedly out, the original Deborah lovely, and other short forms -- Deb, Debs -- for occasional use only.

An old-school nickname for a rare biblical gem. Hetty is a more favorable option.

A Charlotte nickname heard much more often in Britain than here--American parents might prefer Charlie or Lottie.