User-created list
By elle17 · Updated May 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
Irish
"old and wise"
Irish place-name -- it's a river, a town, and an airport -- once popular but now supplanted by such newer immigrants as Saoirse and Seanan.
Diminutive of Linda, English, Welsh
"pretty, soft, tender; lake"
Lynn arrived in the 1940s, spinning off from the wildly popular Linda to become a top mid-century middle (and first) name, ranking at #58 during its 1956 peak. Now, however, Lynn is out of the…
Short form of Louise
"renowned warrior"
Lou is usually a short form of Louise, Louisa, or Lucy in English-speaking countries, when Lou is used for girls at all. But in France and Germany, it's a fashionable choice all on its own, sure to…
Diminutive of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
This Elizabeth nickname has a decidedly retro feel--think Betsy Ross and the Betsy Wetsy doll-- once seen as a perkier, younger-sounding alternative to Betty. But with Betty on the brink of a…
Spelling variation of Keziah
"cinnamon, cassia tree"
A long-popular name, particularly among the African-American community, Keisha was first publicized by the child actress, Keshia Knight Pulliam, who starred on the old Cosby Show. It entered the US…
Stacey is a feminine name (though also used for boys) with Greek origins, derived from Eustace, meaning 'fruitful' or 'productive.' Initially a diminutive of Anastasia, meaning 'resurrection,' Stacey…
Jessi is a diminutive form of Jessica, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning "to behold" or "God beholds." This short, sweet variation emerged in the late 20th century as an…
Diminutive of Jeffrey, Jefferson
"pledge of peace"
The ultimate dad name.
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.
Short form of Matthew
"gift of God"
Still one of the most appealing short forms, which goes a long way toward explaining the sustained popularity of Matthew. Matt is perennially the popular guy in high school, friendly, attractive, and…
English diminutive of Rebecca
"servant of God"
The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.
Corrie is a feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily used as a diminutive form of Corinne, Cornelia, or Cora, it has a friendly, approachable quality. In Scottish usage, Corrie refers to a…
English, nickname name
Until recently it was rarely used as a proper name; Buddy Holly, for example, was christened Charles, and Salinger's Buddy Glass was born Webb. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver did name his fourth child…
Greg is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gregory, which comes from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert.' While Gregory has been used since early Christian times,…
Diminutive of all variations of Kristina
"a Christian"
Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.
English, diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
Most Bills today are dads...or grandpas. The younger Williams are usually nicknamed Will, or called by their full names.
"dark, dark-haired"
Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.
French variation of Jane
Has lost all trace of its French accent.
English, diminutive of Patricia
"noble, patrician"
This sassy, spunky name was used for the mostly Irish jump-roping pigtailed girls of the thirties and forties -- and some Irish and Italian boys as well. Its most noted bearer was iconic country…
Arabic
"noble"
Sari is a cute spin on Sarah, though some may hear it as "sorry," and it is also an item of clothing worn in India. These days many people will also confuse Sari with Suri, the lovely and unsual name…
