Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
Greek
"resurrection"
Anastasia is a lovely yet very long name, and Stasia is a fresher, classier short form than Stacy.
Diminutive of Christopher
The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.
Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, Hebrew
"lily or pledged to God"
A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or…
English, Frisian, Spanish, Slavic
"thought or sweetheart"
An Ethiopian place-name and multicultural diminutive for many names, including the Slavic Tatiana and the Spanish Cayetana. Tana is also a rare Frisian name, meaning "thought", as well as a masculine…
Short form of Alyssa or Greek mythological name
"anger, fury, rage"
Most contemporary English speakers will hear the name Lyssa as short for the long-popular Alyssa or Melissa. But Lyssa is a bona fide Greek mythology name, though not a very appealing one. The…
Short form of Gustavo, Spanish variation of Gustav
"staff of the Goths"
Tavo is a stylish-sounding short form of an antique name.
Short form of Anjelica
Calls to mind the world Jellicle, as in CATS. But still classier than Angie.
Diminutive of Alfredo or Frederico, Spanish and Italian forms of Alfred or Frederick, English or German
"wise counselor or peaceful ruler"
Fredo is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of the Italian names Alfredo or Federico. The name gained cultural recognition through its use in 'The Godfather' novels and films for…
Fina is a feminine name with multiple origins, functioning both as a standalone name and as a diminutive form of names ending in '-fina' such as Serafina or Josefina. In Italian and Spanish contexts,…
Diminutive of Cynthia or Lucinda
Cindy for the 21st century, with a word adjacent feel.
Vanni is a masculine name with Italian origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a diminutive of Giovanni (the Italian form of John). Its root meaning comes from the Hebrew 'Yochanan,'…
Diminutive of Priscilla
"ancient"
Takes the priss out of Priscilla.
Diminutive of Irving
Actor Rhames's imaginative shortening of the prosaic Irving, giving it new life and energy.
Berto is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive of names like Alberto, Roberto, Humberto, or Norberto. It has Latin origins, derived from Germanic elements like 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or…
Diminutive of Louisa
"renowned warrior"
Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias", spelled as Ouiser. Similar, literary Ouida is less breathy, while Lou, Lulu, Lula, Lissy or Whizz might appeal instead.
Hebrew and French
"God is praised"
An interesting cousin of Natalie (the 'h' is silent) found in the Louisiana Cajun community, Athalie is the name of a tragedy by classic French playwright Racine.
Spanish, diminutive of Alexandra
"man's defender"
The initial X is pronounced like a Z. Confusing? Potentially. But there are enough Alexandras and Xanders through the Western World these days that this spelling wouldn't seem outlandish.
English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name
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. Virtually unheard today,…
Hebrew
"splendor, abundance"
A lively, zippy name that is surprisingly rare in the US. It was the name of two men mentioned in the Bible, but is feminine in modern times.
Diminutive of Amanda
The full version is prettier.
