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Nickname Names

  1. Minna

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection; love"

    • Description:

      One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an alternative to Mila, Minnie, or Millie.
  2. Melia

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name, diminutive of Amelia, or Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "ash tree; honey; work; plumeria"

    • Description:

      This is a rich, melodic shortening of the popular girls' name Amelia that can stand on its own. There are several figures in Greek myth named Melia, most notably a daughter of Oceanus. The Meliae are nymphs associated with trees.
  3. Valley

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "valley"

    • Description:

      A natural phenomenon that makes a stylish baby name. Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry used it for her daughter, twin to Verse.
  4. Connie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Conrad or Constantine

    • Description:

      One of those Old World nicknames -- think Sally and Patsy -- that long ago crossed over to the girls' side.
  5. Tad

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Thaddeus, Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      An approachable mini name that could go on the birth certificate, but may work best as a nickname. Full name options include Thaddeus, Theodore, and Thomas, which was the given name of Abe's son Tad Lincoln. Taddy is a rare alternative to Teddy.
  6. Sandra

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alessandra, Italian from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      2012's Hurricane Sandy blew away whatever style currency Sandra retained from its 1960s Sandra Dee heyday. While in recent years it's been associated with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, as a baby name Sandra is sinking beneath the waves.
  7. Ted

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Theodore or Edward, Greek or English

    • Meaning:

      "gift of god; rich guard"

    • Description:

      Like Ed, Eddie and Teddy, Ted is rarely used as an independent name – in the US, at least. In the UK, Eddie ranks just outside the Top 200, Teddy ranks just outside the Top 30, and Ted is a Top 200 pick.
  8. Gina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Regina, Angelina, Luigina, Georgina, Eugenia, Virginia and similar

    • Description:

      A short form for a whole variety of names, this short form has been used across Europe as a stand-alone since the 1920s. It spiked in popularity in the 1950s, owing to the fame of Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida but faded out of use in the 2000s. A sweet and sparky name akin to Nina and Mina, some parents in English speaking countries may be concerned about teasing potential, though it was still given to around 115 girls in the US in a recent year. Popular in Spain, it is borne by martial artist Gina Carano, and actresses Gina Gershon, Gina Rodriguez, Gina Torres, and Gina McKee.
  9. Steve

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Stephen or Steven

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      Some parents just use Steve on the birth certificate, but it doesn't have the breezy charm of trendy short forms like Max, Sam, and Jake. Regardless of how much you love Steve as a given name, it might be smart to give your son a longer option to fall back on.
  10. Chip

    • Origin:

      Pet name for Charles

    • Description:

      Only if you're madly nostalgic for sixties TV.
  11. Chet

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Chester

    • Meaning:

      "fortress, walled town"

    • Description:

      Chet is an old-fashioned short form that, ala Ned and Joe, is starting to sound cool again.
  12. Nona

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "ninth"

    • Description:

      Nona is a name sometimes given to the ninth child -- but unlikely to serve that purpose today. Musical cred: the name of a song by Motley Crue.
  13. Tully

    • Origin:

      Irish, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "flood; quiet; hill"

    • Description:

      Tully is an Irish surname just waiting to be adapted as a first. Cute and lively, and reminiscent of Tilly or Tali, it's got a long history and a range of possible meanings, depending on which root you use.
  14. Topher

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christopher

    • Description:

      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.
  15. Doug

    • Description:

      Doug is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Douglas, a Scottish surname meaning 'dark water' or 'dark stream,' derived from the Gaelic elements 'dubh' (dark) and 'glas' (water). While Douglas has been used as a given name since the late Middle Ages, Doug emerged as a standalone name in the mid-20th century. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, conveying a friendly, approachable quality. Doug has a straightforward, unpretentious character that embodies mid-century American values. Though its usage has declined significantly since its peak, the name retains a certain classic appeal. Doug conveys a sense of reliability and straightforwardness, with many perceiving it as friendly and trustworthy.

  16. Link

    • Origin:

      Word name or diminutive of Lincoln

    • Meaning:

      "ring, loop, connection; town by the pool"

    • Description:

      Perhaps best associated today with the character from The Legend of Zelda game franchise, Link also has ties to the retro crime drama, The Mod Squad, to the presidential surname Lincoln, and of course, to links on the internet. Part fantastical, part retro cool, part futuristic, Link was chosen for 200 boys in 2022, and 144 in 2023.
  17. Paddy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patrick, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.
  18. Danny

    • Origin:

      Short form of Daniel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"

    • Description:

      A diminutive of Daniel that's been immortalized in odes ranging from 'Danny Boy' to 'Danny's Song.'
  19. Tony

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Anthony

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.
  20. Trudy

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "spear of strength"

    • Description:

      Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude.