Nickname Names For Girls

Izzy

Diminutive of Isabel and Isabella

The longer Isabella stays in the Top 10—and it's been there for more than a decade—the more we hear the nickname Izzy (especially if we watch Grey's Anatomy ). it's just a matter of time before it…

Midge

Diminutive of Margaret

"pearl"

Sixties-style nickname which is also the name of a small biting insect, particularly prevalent in Scotland.

Ziggy

German, diminutive of names beginning Sig/Zig

"victory"

Fitting in with Scottie, Stevie, Frankie, and Birdie, Ziggy is a nickname-y choice that feels energetic, cutesy, and cool. Borrowing star quality from Ziggy Stardust and Ziggy Marley, Ziggy is…

Idgie

Diminutive of Imogen or Imogene, Celtic

"maiden"

This cutesy nickname is best known as that of Imogene Threadgoode in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes .

Lady

English; diminutive of Adelaide

"noble"

You can't get much more feminine, sweet, and ladylike than Lady. Would make a cute nickname for up-and-coming Adelaide. Lady will also bring to mind the canine lover of the Tramp.

Kat

English diminutive of Katherine, Greek

"pure"

We're hearing Kat more and more being used by Katherines who are tired of Kathy, Kate and Katie. Katti or Kattie is another possibility.

Este

Diminutive of Esther, Persian

"star"

Este -- think Esme with a t -- comes to us via one of the rocking sisters in the musical group Haim. For long best known as the Esther diminutive used by cosmetics queen Estee Lauder, Este is a…

Bitsy

Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

"pledged to God"

The archetypal diminutive, in every sense of the word. Bitsy enjoyed some use as a nickname in the era when children were named after family members and then called by a cute pet name: Chip, Skip,…

Fifi

French diminutive of Josephine, Hebrew

"Jehovah increases"

Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as…

Brie

French, place-name of cheese-producing region, short form of Briana

Place-name and homonym of Bree, less popular than its enlargement, Brielle or Brianna. Brie Larson is a notable bearer.

Keedie

Invented name, Scottish surname, diminutive of Katherine

"of the red earth; pure"

Like a blend of vintage-style Edie and popular Katie, Keedie is either an invented name, a variant of the Scottish surname Keddy, or possibly a short form of Katherine. In the case of Soprano singer…

Lolly

Diminutive of Laura, Charlotte, Dolores, Ololade, or similar

Lolly is a sweet and playful nickname, usually used for Laura or Charlotte, though other full names could be Dolores, Ololade, Lauren, Lorelei, Lorena, Elodie, Ottilie, Louella, Elora, Elowen, Olive…

Lenny

Diminutive of Leonard, German

"brave lion"

This old man nickname feels remarkably fresh when applied to girls and can be used as a short form of Lena, Helena, Magdalena, Lennon or Lennox. The pan-European Leni is identical in sound yet feels…

Bay

English word, Old English

"an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"

One of the most usable of the pleasant, newly adopted nature/water names (like Lake and Ocean), especially in middle position. It's gentle, slightly whimsical, but grounded by its similarity to May…

Andy

Andy as a feminine name typically functions as a diminutive of Andrea, Alexandra, or Miranda, though it has established itself as an independent given name as well. Derived ultimately from the Greek…

Prue

Short form of Prudence, English virtue name

"caution"

After a long time in limbo, Prudence is now so clunky it'a cool, and it's starting to make a comeback, along with other Puritan virtue names like Mercy, Patience, and Constance. Its short form, Prue,…

Flick

Flick is a feminine name with English origins, often considered a diminutive or nickname form of names like Felicity or Felicia. It has a bright, spunky quality that conveys quickness and vitality.…

Loli

Diminutive of Dolores, Spanish

"lady of sorrows"

This Spanish nickname name — originally short for Dolores — has potential as a full form now that four letter names ending in I have taken off.

Zuzu

Czech diminutive of Susan

"lily"

This sizzling nickname Zuzu is heard every Christmas as the name of Jimmy Stewart's little girl in "It's a Wonderful Life," but we love it all year round as a lively alternative to double names like…

Sosie

Variation of Sosi, Armenian, or diminutive of Susan or Sophie, Hebrew, Greek

"palm tree; lily; wisdom"

Sweet and cosy but with substance too, Sosie is a rare, multicultural name. Used as a short form of Susan, Sosan, Sophie and Sophia, it could make a fresh alternative to Suzy, Izzy, or Josie;…