Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 9 pages
of 9
Viv is a feminine name that functions as both a standalone name and a diminutive of Vivian, Vivienne, or Viviana. These names derive from the Latin "vivus" meaning "alive" or "lively." Viv embodies…
Finnish and Estonian diminutive of Anna, Sanskrit diminutive of Anuradha, Yoruba, Celtic
"grace; causing success; mercy"
A multicultural mini name with roots in three continents. Anu is also Celtic goddess considered the mother of the gods of Ireland. In parts of Britain, the goddess is referred to as "Gentle Annie".
Hebrew
"hot, warm"
Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.
Diminutive of Alexis and Alexandra
"man's defender"
Lex is still used mostly for boys, but like Alex, may cross over with the rising popularity of all long forms of the name. Lexi is another, more feminine option.
Irv is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive of Irving, which has Old English origins meaning 'green water' or 'sea friend.' This short, punchy name gained modest popularity in the early to…
Abbreviation of James or short form of Jasper
English diminutive of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
We're hearing Kat more and more being used by Katherines who are tired of Kathy, Kate and Katie. Katti or Kattie is another possibility.
Jen is a short, crisp feminine name that originated primarily as a diminutive of Jennifer, though it can also be a nickname for names like Jenna, Jenny, or Genevieve. The root name Jennifer comes…
Dutch diminutive of Willem or William
"resolute protection"
Short but spirited, Pim is in the Top 200 in The Netherlands, though it is little-known elsewhere. A diminutive of Willem (or William), it possibly emerged via its rhyme with alternative, more direct…
Diminutive of Elizabeth or Liberty
"pledged to god; freedom"
A concise and zippy short form of Elizabeth, Liberty or similar, used for the main character in the novel and film adaptation of Emma Donoghue's The Wonder about a nurse sent to observe a girl who is…
Italian river name
A river (in Italy), a writer (Bronson), a Teletubby: the Bo of the new millennium.
English diminutive of Deborah, Hebrew
"bee"
During the heyday of Deborah, Debra, and Debra — the late 1950s and early 60s — there were enough baby girls named Deb, just Deb, for it to make the Top 1000. Today, Deb is literally extinct for…
English or Swedish diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Cecilia, Latin
"moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; blind"
What's Cia short for? Cynthia or most any other C -name. Stylish in its sleek Mia-Nia minimalist feel, but may remind some of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Diminutive of Catherine, Greek
May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
Short form of Casper, Persian
"Imperial"
This short-but-strong name is popular for boys in The Netherlands. While Cass is usually a female name in the U.S., it feels just as right for boys.
Scandinavian variation of Peter
So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.
English diminutive of any girl name that starts with D
Dee is a slight midcentury nickname that might be short for Deanna or Denise, but might be too slight for today's strong, independent female.
Modern nickname
Bix is a cool and jazzy nickname name, thanks to that final x. It's largely associated with the legendary and influential cornet player (and inspiration for the novel Young Man With a Horn ), Bix…
