User-created list
By clarissaks · Updated May 2023
Across 31 pages
of 31
Diminutive of Jean, English and Scottish
"God is gracious"
A nickname-y choice with a touch of vintage charm, Jeannie is ultimately a feminine diminutive form of the classic John, via Johanna and Jean. With sounds reminiscent of magical genies and of genius,…
Fin is a concise, impactful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's a shortened form of Fionn or Finn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' connected to the legendary Irish hero…
Keri is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a variant spelling of Kerry, derived from the Irish county name Ciarraí, meaning "people of Ciar" or "dark-haired people."…
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…
Diminutive of Ralph
"wolf-counsel"
Ralphie is one of those short forms that have been out of style for so long it just might have a chance of coming back in, if you can get past seeing it as a desperate attempt to cute-ify a stodgy…
Diminutive of Charles
So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
Hebrew, short form of Abigail
"my father rejoices"
Gail was a mid-twentieth century favorite, which has been far surpassed by its original form, Abigail and nickname Abby. Spelling variations include Gale and Gayle, the latter represented by TV…
Sherri is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Sharon or Sheridan. With Hebrew roots, it connects to Sharon, meaning 'a fertile plain' in ancient Israel. Popular during the 1950s…
Diminutive of Leonard
"brave lion"
A nickname of yesteryear that like alongside Reggie, Alby, Archie, and Bertie, is back in consideration in England and Wales. It is currently in the Top 300 there, however, it has yet to make the…
Variation of Tanya
This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary.
English, diminutive of Edward
"wealthy guardian"
Ned is a gently old-fashioned Nancy Drew-Bobbsey Twins-era short form for Edward that sounds cooler than Ed and is enjoying a small style renaissance. Usage of Ned in literature goes back to a Ben…
Diminutive of Nicholas or Nicole
Nicky is a forever-cute short form of Nicholas once used as a full name but now relegated to nickname (no pun intended) status.
Short form of Jessica, Hebrew
"behold or wealthy"
Many variations of Jessica, including Jessie and Jessa, are used on their own, but Jess is an exception, given to only a handful of baby girls last year. But Jess is certainly the name that many…
German
"bear"
Benno is a cool name in its own right -- there was a tenth century Saint Benno -- though it is also used as a lively nickname for Benjamin. Saint Benno of Meissen is the patron saint of anglers and…
English, diminutive of Robert
"bright fame"
Kids love Bob the Builder, but do they want to be Bob the Builder? Bob and Bobby have been out of style since the 1960s, but as vintage nickname-names -- Fred, Archie -- come back into vogue, Bob may…
German variation of Magdalen
On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
Greek
"glorious, renowned"
Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.
Italian
"of Delphi"
Heard more often as a surname in Italy, its meaning has also been linked to the dolphin--which would make a cool nursery motif.
Carole is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the masculine name Charles, ultimately from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' Popularized in English-speaking countries during…
Rob has claimed Bob's turf.
