Annie is one of the most open and optimistic, the-sun'll-come-out-tomorrow type of name, having been celebrated over the years in song (Annie Laurie), comic strip (Little Orphan Annie), folklore (Annie Oakley, born Phoebe), and film (Annie Hall). It strikes a nice old-fashioned-but-jaunty chord that still has appeal, but we do suggest that you consider putting a more formal version on her birth certificate.

Allie is one short form that's gotten so popular it's often used as a name on its own. Cute, friendly, yet we'd recommend using one of the proper names such as Alice to give your daughter an option.

Lexi and Lexie, pixieish offshoots of the prolific Alex family, have come into their own. While it's on a gentle downslope, Lexi still ranks in the US Top 500.

Boyish nickname name that first heard in the Ricki/Terri era but finding new favor among parents who love names like Billie and Frankie, Scottie and Stevie. Sister spelling Andie has also been on the rise in recent years, and when you combine the two, around 700 girls received the slightly retro moniker.

Boyish nicknames for girls are all the rage — just look at the success of Charlie, Frankie, Stevie, Billie, and Scottie in recent years. Andie has history as a nickname for Andrea, popularized by actress Andie Macdowell. This name has major cool girl appeal through Kate Hudson's portrayal of Andie Anderson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Molly Ringwald's of Andie Walsh in Pretty in Pink.

Sasha, largely male in Russia--and also spelled Sascha and Sacha--is an energetic name that has really taken off for girls here, chosen by Jerry Seinfeld (using the alternate Sascha spelling) and other celebs. The Barack Obamas use it as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. But in line with a trend toward softer-sounding boys' names like Asher and Joshua and thanks to Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, Sasha also still has life as a boys' name too--it's popular in France for boys and girls almost equally.

Drew is an elegant formerly male-only alternative to Andy that joined the stylishly upscale Paige-Brooke-Blair sorority, thanks largely to Drew Barrymore. Barrymore comes by her first name legitimately: it was the maiden name of her paternal great-grandmother, Georgiana 'Georgie' Drew Barrymore, one of many esteemed actors in her family history.

Alexa was a steadily popular modern classic until Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa was released in 2013. It remains relatively well used in the US despite this, though its standing keeps dropping for obvious reasons. Too bad, because it's a strong and pretty name (which is probably why Amazon used it.)

One of the sweet simple unisex names balanced enough to stand on its own.

Nickname name in the era of Grease. Sandy fits well in the era of boyish nicknames for girls - a la Scottie and Stevie - or as an alternative to the rapidly rising Goldie. While it peaked in 1960, Sandy is still given to about 60 baby girls each year.

Arty seventies name usually pronounced AHN-dra.

A short form of Alexandra and Alice used everywhere from Russia to Spain. A fresh alternative to Allie.

A rising surname, perhaps inspired by legendary Dallas Cowboys football coach Tom Landry, this name is historically associated with St. Landry, a 7th-century bishop of Paris and founder of the city's first hospital. Derived from the Germanic Landric, giving it a strong and distinctive meaning, it was used as a masculine choice in France during the latter half of the 20th-century, while in the US, it is a gender neutral option.

Lexi and Lexie, pixie-ish offshoots of the prolific Alex family, have come into their own, remaining in the Top 1000 for more than 20 years now.

Lisa was one of the first names to spawn a range of variations, and this is one, sometimes pronounced lee-sha. The original is simpler and prettier.

Sandi is a feminine name typically functioning as a diminutive of Sandra or Alexandra, though it has established itself as an independent given name. Popular particularly during the 1950s through the 1970s in the United States, Sandi offers a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal versions. The name has English origins, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexandros' meaning 'defender of mankind.' The 'i' ending creates a cheerful, casual impression compared to the 'y' spelling (Sandy). Sandi conveys warmth and accessibility, with a vintage charm that's reminiscent of mid-century America. While less commonly given to newborns today, it remains recognizable and straightforward, embodying a friendly, unpretentious quality many find appealing.

This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different pronunciation.

One of the most evenly divided unisex names these days; strong and energetic, if overused, for both genders.

A name that is rarely heard and might be worth considering as a way of zipping up a namesake Sandra. It has long been associated with iconoclastic British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.

Sandie is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Sandra, which itself is a shortened form of Alexandra (meaning 'defender of mankind'). With Scottish and English roots, Sandie peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 70s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage appeal. The name is often associated with warmth and friendliness, partly due to its connection to sandy beaches and sunshine. The spelling with 'ie' rather than 'y' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining its approachable character. Sandie works well as both a full name and nickname, offering versatility with its casual, unpretentious feel combined with historical depth.