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pretty names

  1. Patsy

    • Origin:

      English and Irish, diminutive of Patrick

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician."

    • Description:

      Patsy has been rarely heard for half a century, for either gender, and we're not expecting that to change in the near future..
  2. Missy

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Melissa

    • Description:

      A name that works until your daughter is, say, six.
  3. Annalee

    • Origin:

      Combination of Anna and Lee

    • Meaning:

      "grace; pasture"

    • Description:

      A compound name with an old-fashioned ring. It only first appeared on the US Top 1000 in 2012. Annalie is a somewhat different name that is nevertheless pronounced the same.
  4. Sindy

    • Description:

      Sindy is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Cindy, which itself is a diminutive of Cynthia. Originating from the Greek name Kynthia, it relates to Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, birthplace of the goddess Artemis. The alternative spelling with an "S" gained notable recognition in the UK during the 1960s-1980s, partly due to the popular British fashion doll named Sindy (introduced as competition to Barbie). This spelling creates a more distinctive visual identity while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Sindy peaked in popularity during the late 20th century but has since declined in usage. The name carries a playful, youthful quality with a touch of retro charm, appealing to parents seeking a familiar-sounding name with a slightly unconventional spelling.

  5. Cathryn

    • Description:

      Cathryn is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Catherine, which traces back to Greek origins, meaning 'pure.' This alternative spelling maintains the classic elegance of the traditional name while offering a slightly more distinctive appearance. Throughout history, the name has maintained steady popularity, though it peaked primarily in the mid-20th century. Cathryn offers the versatility of cute nicknames like Cat, Cathy, or Cate. While less common than Katherine or Catherine, Cathryn appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a unique twist, combining traditional values with individuality.
  6. Nana

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Anna and Nancy; also Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "spring"

    • Description:

      To most English speakers, Nana is the dog in Peter Pan, the daughter played by Emma Stone in Crazy Stupid Love, and another name for Grandma.
  7. Pam

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Pamela, English

    • Meaning:

      "all honey"

    • Description:

      This mild-mannered short form was Queen of the Prom in the fifties and sixties, but today is mostly heard on TV's The Office (and of course as one of the founders of Nameberry).
  8. Maddy

    • Description:

      Maddy is a feminine name that functions both as a diminutive and as a standalone given name. Most commonly, it serves as a nickname for longer names such as Madeline, Madison, Madeleine, or Matilda. Derived from Magdalene, which refers to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, the name ultimately has Hebrew origins meaning 'tower' or 'elevated.' Maddy has a friendly, approachable quality that balances youthful charm with sufficient substance for adulthood. Its popularity surged in the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside the rise of Madison and other 'Mad-' names. The name offers the advantage of familiarity without being overly common as a legal name, striking a pleasant balance between unique and accessible.
  9. Sissy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cecilia; pet name for "sister"

    • Meaning:

      "sister"

    • Description:

      Old-fashioned nickname for a sister, almost never heard today.
  10. Cardigan
    • Peplum