Names by Nickname

Gently old-fashioned stand-alone nickname that owes its popularity to mega popular Abigail.

Old-time nickname that's following in the fashionable footsteps of cronies Jake and Sam. Abe feels both fresher and cuter -- which is maybe the same thing? -- than those choices right now. You can also get to Abe via Abel, which may prove a friendlier formal name than the gray-bearded Abraham.

No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.

Ad is a concise masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with these letters, such as Adam, Adrian, or Addison. With just two letters, it stands as one of the shortest given names in use. Ad has Dutch origins where it serves as a traditional nickname for Adam or Adrian, though it can stand independently. In some contexts, it may derive from the Hebrew element meaning "ornament" or "adornment." The name's brevity gives it a modern, clean feel despite its traditional roots. While uncommon as a formal given name in most English-speaking countries, Ad's simplicity appeals to parents seeking minimalist naming options. The name's pronunciation is straightforward, making it internationally accessible.

Old-fashioned nickname with sweet turn-of-the-last-century charm that's become a favorite among the popular girl names starting with A of today. In fact, with all spellings of Adeline/Adalynn taken together firmly in the Top 10, and Adelaide and Addison also high in the charts, Addie is one of the most frequently-heard short forms around. But no matter how popular (or pandemic) it gets, Addie is undeniably one of the cutest names for baby girls. Little girls might like the fact that it's the name, though spelled Addy, of an American Girl series doll.

Aed is an ancient Irish masculine name pronounced roughly like 'aid' or 'ayd.' It derives from the Old Irish word meaning 'fire' and was borne by numerous kings and figures in Irish mythology. Most notably, Aed was the name of the god of the underworld in Celtic mythology, associated with fire and the sun. Throughout Irish history, several High Kings and regional rulers bore this name. While historically significant, Aed remains quite rare in modern usage, even in Ireland where shortened versions like Aodh have been more common. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality while its mythological associations lend it depth and cultural significance for those with Irish heritage or interest in Celtic traditions.

Mauve-tinted nickname with vintage charm that could just follow in the footsteps of ABBIE. More prominent now as the nickname for the Texas A&M sports teams.

A name known in several cultures, also through animated book character Tiger Aki. Finnish author Aki Ollikainen is another notable bearer.

This cute masculine nickname -- with connections to princes, Hogwarts headmasters and the Manzo family of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" -- almost has enough heft to stand on its own. But all of its precursor names have merit.

Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.

Alec, though an old nickname for Alexander, is much fresher sounding than Alex, with the additional advantage, at least to some parents, of being distinctly male (there are as many girl Alexes these days as there are boys). While Alec has a clipped British image, it's actually one of the classic Greek names for boys, by way of father name Alexander.

The independent Alex has become a classic in its own right. One of the truest unisex names, Alex is used almost equally for both sexes. Alex is used both on its own and as a short form of formal names of both genders, such as Alexander, Alexandra, and Alexis.

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

Alfie is a Top 20 name throughout the British Isles, where retro nickname names are mega-popular, but it hasn't really been picked up in the US yet. Both Alfie and rising star Archie are spunky nickname possibilities with a bit of an English accent.

Algy is a masculine name primarily known as a diminutive of Algernon, a name with Norman French origins meaning 'wearing a mustache' or 'bearded.' Popular in upper-class British society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Algy evokes a distinctly vintage, aristocratic character. The name appeared in literature and early films, often representing privileged young English gentlemen. While Algy has never been widely used in the United States, it maintains recognition through literary characters like Algy Longworth in Patricia Wentworth's detective novels. Today, the name has a quaint, nostalgic quality that might appeal to parents drawn to highly distinctive vintage names. Though extremely rare in contemporary use, Algy exemplifies the category of abbreviated names that once functioned as affectionate nicknames but occasionally stood as formal names in their own right.

Aly is a feminine name with several origins. As a variant of Allie or Ali, it serves as a diminutive of names like Alison, Alexandra, or Alice. In Arabic contexts, Aly (also spelled Ali) means 'elevated' or 'high.' The name has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, appreciated for its brief, modern sound while maintaining a feminine quality. In Western countries, Aly is often chosen for its simplicity and contemporary feel. The spelling with a 'y' gives it a distinctive touch compared to the more traditional 'Ali' spelling. As a short, two-syllable name, Aly balances being recognizable yet not overly common.

Ama is a day name used by the Akan people of Ghana for girls born on Saturday. Names that reference a baby's birth by day of the week, time of day, or season of the year are common in many African cultures. Ama is one that can be used happily by parents who live in English-speaking countries.

Amy is the English variation of the Old French name Amée—Aimée in modern French. Amée was a translation of the Latin name Amata, which derived from amatus, meaning "beloved." Other spelling variations include Amie and Ami.

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.

Arty seventies name usually pronounced AHN-dra.