Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Short form of Jessica, Hebrew
"behold or wealthy"
Many variations of Jessica, including Jessie and Jessa, are used on their own, but Jess is an exception, given to only a handful of baby girls last year. But Jess is certainly the name that many…
Diminutive of Desmond
More of an abbreviation than a short form that can stand on its own.
Short form of Rebecca
Modern, mini nickname for Rebecca, much fresher than Becca or Becky.
French surname
Though it's close to the German and French form of Matthew, Mathis, this name of the great artist can work as well for girls.
Pop cultural invention
Used in the novel and subsequent Disney movie Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century , Zenon is typically a masculine name of Greek and Polish origin, however, in the book and film, it was used for a girl…
Dutch diminutive of Willem or William
"resolute protection"
Pim is traditionally a male nickname in the Netherlands, but its relative obscurity in the US would allow you to get away with using it for a daughter. This name has never been recorded in the US -…
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Buffy was a one-time sorority girl with a roommate named Muffy, then a fearless vampire slayer, though still basically fluffy. You might think of Buffy as the feminine version of Chip or Bud -- an…
Tawni is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variant of Tawny, which derives from the English word describing a yellowish-brown or tan color. The name evokes warmth, natural beauty, and the…
Nature name
Typically used for girls, but Disney Channel show Big City Greens made it wearable for boys as well.
Tinka is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In Dutch and Nordic countries, it functions as a diminutive of names like Christina or Martina. It also appears in Slavic languages with…
Word name
Dipper isn't the most name-like of all the constellations, but with its fashionable -er ending and familiarity thanks to Disney Channel's Gravity Falls , it has become a possibility.
Latin
"wart"
Veruca is a name Roald Dahl made up for the horrid little girl Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . A modern rock band adopted the name, though few parents familiar with the original…
Greek
"bountiful gift"
Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.
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.
Fictional invented name
Name invented for a spirit fox character on the Disney Channel TV show Sofia the First .
Rolo is a playful masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Roland or Ronald, or derive from the Old Norse name Hrólfr (which evolved into Rollo), meaning…
