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Names by Nickname

  1. Magi

    • Origin:

      Cherokee

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"

    • Description:

      Magi, as in the Three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus, is a new word name appropriate for Christmas babies. It might also be a way to spell Maggie, but you can see the problems that's going to cause.
  2. Sten

    • Origin:

      Swedish

    • Meaning:

      "a stone"

    • Description:

      Once a short form of names containing this syllable, it is now used on its own, though we'd prefer Sven.
  3. Aed

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Stacy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Eustace

    • Meaning:

      "stable"
  5. Aly

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Tisha

    • Description:

      Tisha is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can function as a diminutive of Patricia or Letitia, but also has independent roots as a Sanskrit name meaning 'auspicious' or 'fortunate.' In Hebrew contexts, it may relate to Tisha B'Av, a significant date in the Jewish calendar. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s, partly influenced by actress Tisha Campbell. With its simple two-syllable structure and accessible pronunciation (TEE-sha), the name offers a friendly, approachable quality. Though less common today than in previous decades, Tisha maintains appeal for parents seeking a short, sweet name with cross-cultural connections. Its brevity and feminine sound make it distinctive without being complicated.
  7. Peg

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margaret, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs.
  8. Fiene

    • Origin:

      Dutch, shortened form of Josephine

    • Description:

      Whereas in English, Josephine gets shortened to Jo, in Dutch it gets shortened to 'Fiene" (sounds like Feen). Fiene is now a name in its own right.
  9. Hat

    • Description:

      Hat is an uncommon feminine name with several potential origins. It may function as a diminutive form of Harriet or Hattie, names derived from the Germanic elements 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (ruler). Alternatively, it could represent a streamlined modern choice based on the everyday English word for headwear. In some cultures, Hat might serve as a nickname or shortened form of longer traditional names. As a standalone name, Hat is remarkably brief and distinctive, offering simplicity in an era of increasingly elaborate naming trends. While exceedingly rare as a formal given name, it provides a minimalist option with a touch of vintage charm. Its unconventional nature makes it a bold choice for parents seeking truly unique single-syllable names.
  10. Thady

    • Description:

      Thady is a masculine name of Irish origin, serving as a diminutive form of Thaddeus or the Irish name Tadhg, meaning 'poet' or 'philosopher.' This distinctively Irish name carries a strong cultural heritage while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality through its diminutive form. Historically used in Ireland for centuries, Thady gained some literary recognition through its use in Maria Edgeworth's novel 'Castle Rackrent.' The name remains quite rare outside of Ireland, giving it a strong ethnic character and uniqueness in international contexts. With its combination of historical depth and playful sound, Thady appeals to parents seeking an authentic Irish name that balances traditional roots with a lighthearted, affectionate quality.

  11. Hedda

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, diminutive of Hedvig

    • Description:

      Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke names like Hedda Hare.
  12. Maida

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Old English name as outmoded as the use of the word maid for a young girl.
  13. Cleta

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the renowned one"

    • Description:

      Cleta was one of the Charities or Graces.
  14. Tottie

    • Description:

      Tottie emerged as a diminutive nickname for names like Charlotte or Victoria in Victorian England, eventually evolving into an independent given name. With its playful, affectionate sound, Tottie represents the once-common English practice of creating endearing nicknames ending in -ie or -y. The name peaked in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Tottie carries a vintage charm that evokes images of the Edwardian era and early 1900s. Today, it might appeal to parents seeking a distinctively retro name with a sweet, cheerful quality. The name's brevity and simple pronunciation give it an accessible, friendly character.
  15. Ilka

    • Origin:

      Hungarian diminutive of Ilona; variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.
  16. Urse

    • Description:

      Urse is an extremely unusual feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Ursula, which comes from Latin meaning 'little female bear.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Germanic element 'urs' meaning 'bear' found in various European names. This concise, single-syllable name stands in contrast to most feminine names with its brevity and strong sound. Urse has remained exceedingly rare throughout recorded naming history in English-speaking countries. The name has a certain primal strength associated with its bear-related etymology, combined with an unexpected simplicity. Its rarity and distinctive character might appeal to parents seeking something truly uncommon with ancient European connections.

  17. Jemi

    • Description:

      Jemi is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, functioning as a modern coinage or possibly a blend of names like Jemima, Jennifer, or Gemma. In some contexts, it may represent a variation of Jamie or a shortened form of Jemima (Hebrew for 'dove'). This concise, melodic name has gained modest popularity as parents seek brief, accessible names with a contemporary feel. The name's simplicity makes it versatile across cultures while its relative uniqueness helps it stand out. Jemi carries a youthful, friendly quality and lacks complicated pronunciation issues. While not among the most common names, Jemi appeals to parents seeking something modern and distinctive without being overly elaborate or difficult to pronounce.
  18. Berg

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "mountain, hill"

    • Description:

      Earthbound surname that few would make as first choice.
  19. Caddie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Caroline, French

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Trapped somewhere in the nether region between Haddie and Catie, with the added confusion of sounding like someone who works on a golf course. Caddie Woodlawn was a TV heroine of the Old West in the 1980s. Caddie had its moment, but we don't see it becoming one of the more popular girl names starting with C.
  20. Kata

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Katariina, Finnish, and Katalin, Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      A European nickname for Katherine variations.