​
​
Advanced Search

Nickname Names

  1. Thom

    • Origin:

      Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "twin"

    • Description:

      Pronounced like Tom, but not everyone will know that.
  2. Tassie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Anastasia, Tasmania, Natasha, Thomasina, Tamsin, or similar

    • Meaning:

      "resurrection; bag maker; birthday of the Lord; twin"

    • Description:

      A sparky short form of a variety of names with a similar feel to the likes of Hattie, Essie, Sasha, and Effie. Also used as a surname, it might make an interesting alternative to Stacey, Annie, or Tasha.
  3. Hux

    • Origin:

      Short form of Huxley, English

    • Meaning:

      "inhospitable place"

    • Description:

      As Huxley and Huck become more popular and accepted, so does Hux, either as a full name or a diminutive.
  4. Chris

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      Chris is one of the longest-running and still most appealing unisex short forms, still used nearly equally for boys and girls. Though no longer fashionable, Chris still feels crisp and appropriate for both sexes.
  5. Thad

    • Origin:

      Short form of Thaddeus or variation of Tad

    • Description:

      Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.
  6. Immy

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Diminutive of Imogen, rarely given as a standalone even in the UK, where Imogen is a Top 50 pick. 2023 however saw a slight spike in usage, when Immy was chosen for twelve girls — more than double the number ever given the name in a single year before — while Immie was also chosen for nine girls.
  7. Leelee

    • Origin:

      Short form of Liliane

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      Actress Leelee Sobieski's real name is Liliane, after her French grandmother -- a better choice for any baby-namer.
  8. Lexa

    • Description:

      Lexa is a feminine name with multiple origin possibilities. Most commonly, it's considered a shortened form of Alexandra, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' It also functions as an independent diminutive of Alexis or Alexa. In Slavic languages, particularly Czech and Slovak, Lexa can be a nickname for names containing the Alex- element. The name gained modest recognition following the introduction of the character Commander Lexa in the television series 'The 100' (2014-2016). With its crisp, modern sound combining the popular 'Lex' sound with a feminine ending, Lexa appeals to parents seeking short, strong feminine names that balance contemporary style with classical roots.

  9. Vinny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Vincent

    • Description:

      Best left at the Jersey Shore.
  10. Baby

    • Origin:

      English word name, diminutive of Barbara, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "foreign woman"

    • Description:

      Baby is rarely seen as a given name — or even nickname — these days, although it did rank in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2003. These instances can be accounted for in two ways. Firstly, infants whose birth certificates are not filled out on time are given generic placeholders for registration, such as Infant, Unknown, or Baby. But more influential during this decade was the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing, starring Jennifer Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman. It's the origin of the famed line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
  11. Phil

    • Description:

      Phil is a masculine name primarily used as a familiar short form of Philip or Phillip, though it occasionally stands as an independent given name. Derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses,' Phil has been used across generations and carries a friendly, approachable quality. It gained particular popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. The name has a classic, unpretentious feel and is associated with notable figures like musician Phil Collins and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw. While many Phils formally have the longer version on their birth certificates, the shortened form has a warm, casual charm that has helped it endure as both a nickname and standalone name across different eras.
  12. Ninon

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Sweet and charming French nickname for Anne, à la Manon for Marie.
  13. Pete

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Peter

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Sixties-style short form that sounds cool again -- though the unscrupulous Pete on "Mad Men" is not a character to emulate.
  14. Scotty

    • Description:

      Scotty is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Scott, which itself began as a surname referring to a person from Scotland. This friendly, approachable nickname has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the mid-20th century. Scotty has a distinctly casual, boyish charm that some parents find appealing for its warmth and accessibility. The name gained cultural recognition through various fictional characters, including Star Trek's Chief Engineer Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott. While traditional as a nickname, Scotty as a formal given name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. It carries associations with loyalty, practicality, and an unpretentious nature. Some parents may choose it to honor Scottish heritage or family members named Scott.

  15. Sammy

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "god has heard"

    • Description:

      Short for Samantha or long for Sam, Sammy is a sweet midcentury nickname name that we can see coming back.
  16. Elzie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Elsie or diminutive of Eliezer, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God helps"

    • Description:

      Elzie was given to 16 baby girls in the US last year, almost certainly as a spelling variation of the increasingly popular sweet nickname Elsie, a diminutive of Elizabeth.
  17. Babe

    • Origin:

      Word name or diminutive of Barbara

    • Description:

      You can call your baby "babe," but don't name her that.
  18. Yovi

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Yoav, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "praise Jehovah"

    • Description:

      Cute nickname with multicultural appeal — in addition to Yoav, Yovi could be short for names such as Yovan and Yovani.
  19. Hobbes

    • Origin:

      English variation of Robert

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one has the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association too. It may also be linked to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, giving it a more refined feel.
  20. Rich

    • Description:

      Rich is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Richard, which derives from Germanic elements meaning "powerful" and "brave ruler." As an independent name, Rich emerged in English-speaking countries during the 20th century when abbreviated forms gained popularity. The name carries obvious associations with wealth and abundance, conveying a sense of prosperity and success. Its simplicity and positive connotations have made it appealing, though it remains less common as a formal given name than Richard. As a nickname, Rich has been consistently popular throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, valued for its straightforward, unpretentious quality.