MGM Musical Stars

  1. Bert
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Albert and Bertram
    • Description:

      A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.
  2. Mitzi
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Maria
    • Meaning:

      "bitter"
    • Description:

      Mitzi is a spunky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage chorus girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Lively entertainer Mitzi Gaynor--who was originally named Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber--made the name notable in mid-century America.
  3. Jeff
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Jeffrey, Jefferson
    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"
    • Description:

      The ultimate dad name.
  4. Cyd
    • Origin:

      Short form of Cydney, spelling variation of Sydney, French
    • Meaning:

      "Saint-Denis"
    • Description:

      This unusual spelling of a simple name is notable as the name of dancer Cyd Charisse, whose given name was Tula Ellice but whose brother's mispronunciation of Sis begat Sid. Famed dance teacher Arthur Freed varied it to Cyd.
  5. Russ
    • Origin:

      Variation of Russell, French
    • Meaning:

      "redhead, fox-colored"
    • Description:

      Short but substantial, Russ does not need the full-form Russell to go on the birth certificate. Russ strikes a nice balance between familiar, friendly, and underused.
  6. Bud
    • Origin:

      English nickname
    • Description:

      This is a name you get stuck with, not (we hope) one your parents choose for you.
  7. Georges
    • Origin:

      French form of George, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      The S may confuse English speakers, but it's a French classic.
  8. Harve
    • Description:

      Harve is a masculine name that functions as a shortened form of Harvey, which derives from Old Breton origins meaning "battle worthy" or "iron." This concise variant maintains the strength of the original while offering a more casual, approachable quality. Harve was more commonly used in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in rural American communities, giving it a rustic, vintage charm. Though less common than Harvey in contemporary usage, Harve fits with the trend toward shorter, straightforward masculine names. The name carries associations of reliability, straightforwardness, and unpretentious strength. While uncommon today, its simplicity and historical usage make it an option for parents seeking a distinctive name with traditional roots.
  9. Vic
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Victor, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "conqueror"
    • Description:

      This short form of classic Victor is popular in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.
  10. Marge
    • Origin:

      Short form of Margaret, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      Marge used to be as common as Maggie or Megan, ranking on its own in the girls' Top 1000 from 1900 until right after World War II, when so many Old School names fell off the list in favor of a new generation cuter, perkier choices.
  11. Rags