User-created list
By maibritt · Updated May 2023
Across 4 pages
of 4
Diminutive of Christina et al
Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna…
Diminutive of Timothy, Greek
"honoring God"
Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.
Danish and German
"thunder bear"
A familiar name in the Nordic countries that hasn't yet gained popularity in the English speaking world. But it could, now that Old Norse names like Thor and Odin are on the rise. It derives from…
Scandinavian
"youth"
Especially for parents of Scandinavian descent, Sven is an accessible and attractive name with an appealing mix of strength and swagger. It comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Sviars, who gave…
German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, Arabic
"splendid"
Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia…
German
"peace"
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
Low German and Nordic variation of Christian
This Nordic-sounding name is ripe for wider usage, especially as a fresh alternative to Christian or similar-sounding Carl.
Feminization of Ebbe, Swedish and Danish, or variation of Old English Æbbe
"bear god; brave boar"
Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of…
Diminutive of Gillian or Juliana
"youthful"
Probably due to its nursery rhyme association, Jill has the perpetual air of a rosy-cheeked tot -- even though it is one of the oldest names on the roster, a medieval variation on the Roman Julia.…
Estonian and Spanish diminutive of Matilda, German
"battle mighty"
Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
Dutch and Frisian
The vintage Fenna, an old lady name making a comeback in the Netherlands, originates in Friesland in the northern part of the country, where the Fries language is spoken. Rhyming with Jenna, it's…
Norse
"guarded by Ing"
Ing was a powerful Norse god whose name inspired several modern variations -- though Inga has become a caricatured Scandinavian choice.
Henning is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Germanic origins, particularly popular in Denmark, Norway, and northern Germany. It likely developed as a diminutive of Heinrich (Henry), derived…
Philipp is a masculine name representing the German, Scandinavian, and Eastern European spelling of Philip, which derives from the Greek name Philippos, meaning 'lover of horses.' This two-p spelling…
Diminutive of Christina
Not-so-attractive short form of a lovely name.
Spelling variation of Leonard, German
"brave lion"
Derived from the elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'hardy,' Lennard literally translates to 'lion-strong' or 'brave as a lion.' This spelling variation is particularly…
Dutch, diminutive of Pieter or Peter, Greek
"rock"
Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.
Smilla is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly associated with Danish naming traditions. The name gained international recognition through Peter Høeg's novel 'Smilla's Sense of…
Conny is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Constance, Concetta, or Cornelia, depending on cultural context. With Germanic and Latin roots, it ultimately derives from words meaning…
