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Best Nicknames with a Vintage Feel for Girls

namesage
By namesage
Updated Thu Apr 27 2023
  1. Ada

    • Origin:

      German or Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"

    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  2. Arley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "from the rabbit meadow"

    • Description:

      Abbreviated form of Harley that might also be spelled, for girls, Arleigh or Arlee.
  3. Attie

    • Description:

      Attie is a feminine name that traditionally functions as a diminutive or nickname for names like Harriet, Athaliah, or more commonly now, Matilda. It has Dutch origins where it served as a pet form of names containing the Germanic element 'adal' meaning noble. In Afrikaans communities, it's sometimes used as a standalone name. Attie has a vintage charm that aligns with the trend of reviving nickname-style names as formal options. Though never widely common as an official given name, it has persisted as a beloved nickname across generations. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and ending 'ie.' Its short, simple structure makes it easy to pronounce while its vintage associations give it character and depth.
  4. Cleo

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glory"

    • Description:

      Cleo, one of the few girls' names to boast the cool-yet-lively o ending, is of course short for Cleopatra, the name of one of the most powerful women in history.
  5. Cora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
  6. Ceeley
    • Colley
      • Della

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide

        • Meaning:

          "noble"

        • Description:

          Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
      • Dory

        • Origin:

          French

        • Meaning:

          "gift of God"

        • Description:

          A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.
      • Edie

        • Origin:

          English, diminutive of Edith

        • Meaning:

          "prosperous in war"

        • Description:

          Edie is part of the Evie-Ellie et al family of cute and friendly short forms that sometimes stand on its own. Briefly popular in the 1960s, it could well be due for rediscovery. It's already a fashionable choice in the UK, where it has ranked just outside the Top 100 for several years.
      • Etta

        • Origin:

          English and Scottish, short form of any name ending with -etta: Henrietta, Loretta etc.

        • Description:

          Thanks to the surprise hit revival of Etta James' song At Last and because of recent interest in vintage style nicknames, Etta has established herself as a possible successor to Emma and Ella. Back in the US Top 1000 as of 2023 and rising rapidly up the UK charts, where it sits in the Top 200, Etta is a snappy, smart and sparky choice.
      • Flory

        • Origin:

          French

        • Meaning:

          "blooming, flowering"

        • Description:

          Florence is back, and the adorable short form Flory (or Florie) is too. Or you could just choose Flora and cover all bases with one stroke.
      • Francy
        • Goldie

          • Origin:

            Anglicized form of Yiddish Golde or Golda

          • Meaning:

            "gold"

          • Description:

            Goldie is a shimmering new addition to the nickname name lineup, and became one of the fastest rising girl names in 2023. After peaking at Number 114 in 1904-1905, Goldie slid off the list completely in 1958. She re-entered the US Top 1000 again in 2021.
        • Gussie

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Augusta, Latin

          • Meaning:

            "great, magnificent"

          • Description:

            Gussie fits the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Charlie and Frankie. But Gussie is a bit fussy — try Gus.
        • Jessa

          • Origin:

            Short form of Jessica, Hebrew

          • Meaning:

            "behold or wealthy"

          • Description:

            Once rare, this streamlined form of Jessica has been boosted by two very different television figures: the Jemima Kirke character on HBO series Girls, and reality television daughter Jessa Duggar.
        • Jory

          • Description:

            Jory as a feminine name is an intriguing choice with several possible origins. It may be a feminine adaptation of the masculine Jory, which itself can be a variant of George (meaning "farmer"), a form of the Hebrew name Yore ("he will teach"), or a short form of names like Marjorie. When used for girls, Jory has a modern, androgynous quality with its short, punchy sound. The name's simplicity makes it easy to spell and pronounce while remaining distinctive. Though uncommon for either gender, it has seen occasional use throughout the English-speaking world. Jory carries an independent, spirited quality that parents seeking an unconventional yet accessible name might find appealing. Its brevity allows it to pair well with longer surnames and middle names.

        • Junie

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of June

          • Description:

            A cute nickname, but June is a much better bet for the birth certificate.
        • Janny
          • Ketty

            • Description:

              Ketty is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Katherine or as an independent name with various cultural connections. In Swedish and Finnish contexts, it's a pet form of Katherine, while in India it may be used as a variant spelling of Kitti. The name has a light, playful quality with its short, bright sound. Katherine, from which it often derives, means "pure" in Greek. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Ketty maintains popularity in parts of Europe and South Asia. The name's brevity and cheerful sound make it appealing for parents seeking something sweet and distinctive without being completely unfamiliar.