User-created list
Names by Nickname
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of 53
Basia
Polish and Slavic diminutive of Barbara, Greek
"foreign woman"
Basia functions as a diminutive or nickname for Barbara, though many people now use it as a standalone name. The name derives from the Greek word 'barbaros,' originally referring to non-Greek…
Bat
Short form of Bartholomew
Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to…
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…
Baz
Diminutive of Sebastian or Basil; Kurdish
"regal; falcon"
As Bas, it's a popular name in The Netherlands, but Baz, as in director Luhrmann, has potential for independent life too. Curiously, Australian-born Moulin Rouge director Luhrmann was born neither…
Bea
English diminutive of Beatrice, Latin
"she who brings happiness"
Bea is a former old lady name that's cute again as a short form — and is now beginning to stand on its own. Bee is a variation that, like Bea, can work as a diminutive for any name that starts with…
Bebe
English diminutive of Beatrice or any other B name
High-kicking cohort of Coco, Gigi, Fifi, Kiki, et al.
Becca
English diminutive of Rebecca
"servant of God"
The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.
Bede
English
"prayer"
A famous seventh-century saint and church historian whose name has not survived as well as his works. Known as the Venerable Bede, this Benedictine monk is considered the first known writer of…
Belle
Short form of Isabelle or French
"beautiful"
Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast . As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of…
Beppe
Beppe is a masculine Italian name that functions as a familiar diminutive of Giuseppe, the Italian form of Joseph. This affectionate nickname originated in Italy, particularly common in northern…
Berg
German
"mountain, hill"
Earthbound surname that few would make as first choice.
Bernie
English diminutive of Bernadette, Bernadine, or Bernice, German
"brave as a bear"
Bernie is an old school unisex nickname name, on the order of Bobbie or Willie. But with Billie and her tomboyish crew coming back, it's time to get Bernie on your radar! Bernie has a certain vintage…
Bernie
Diminutive of Bernard, English
"strong; brave as a bear"
It's been shown that notable political figures often impact the use of their names, and the same can — sort of — be said about Bernie Sanders. His name increased in use by 47% between 2015 and 2016…
Berry
Nature name
With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.…
Berry
Nature name
If not for Motown founder Berry Gordy, this name would now be totally in the girl group.
Bert
English, diminutive of Albert and Bertram
A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.
Bertie
Diminutive of Albert, Bertram etc
Long a royal nickname in England, it's coming back there along with Archie and Alfie. British singer Kate Bush calls her little boy Bertie.
Bess
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Although she declared her independence as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I — Good Queen Bess, Bess now sounds less passé than Beth or Betsy.
Bet
Bet is a short, sweet name that serves as a diminutive of Elizabeth, one of history's most enduring female names. While Beth is the more common nickname, Bet offers an even more concise alternative…
Beth
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.