Names by Nickname

This simple, elegant name offers something for many kinds of parents, from writers and history buffs to photographers to Pennsylvania dwellers. Most famous bearers are comedian Penn Jillette and Gossip Girl hottie Penn Badgley, both of whom were given this distinctive name at birth. Long obscure, Penn seems destined for greater usage.

Occasionally heard in England, rarely here.

Like Peggy and Patsy, the kind of zesty moniker young Judy Garland would sport in her early let's-put-on-a-show flicks. It fell out of favor (and the Top 1000) for a while, but has recently rebounded by reentering the charts in 2013. Expect it to continue gaining traction on the heels of Penelope.

Personification of pep.

Percy is a traditional boys' name that could be cute and unexpected for a girl – perhaps as a short form for Persephone or Persis. Adventurous and literary Percy could follow in the footsteps of other boyish nicknames for girls, like Frankie and Charlie.

Percy is an adorable old name that is finally shedding its pampered Little Lord Fauntleroy image in this new era of boys with soft yet traditionally male names like Jasper and Elijah. Originating as an aristocratic Norman name, Percy became fairly widespread in England--and to some extent in the US--as an offshoot of the fame of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

This name used for both sexes in several cultures is quite well used in Israel.

It's a long time now since this casual but suave name was linked to velvet-throated, cardigan-sweatered singer Perry (born Pierino, son of Pietro) Como's day... and this could be the moment for a reassessment. Other Perry associations are designer Ellis and the fictional Perry Mason and Perry White. There is also the option of taking the long way round to Perry via the more substantial Peregrine or Percival.

Perry fits right in with rising boyish nicknames for girls and cool picks like Frankie and Scottie. This relaxed name sounds novel compared to such former favorites as Kerry and Sherry.

Pet is an unusual feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname form of names like Patricia or Petra. It derives from the same Latin root 'petra' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' While more commonly recognized as a term for a beloved animal companion, Pet as a given name has historical usage particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. It remains extremely rare in modern naming practices. The name can be seen as endearing and affectionate, suggesting someone who is cherished or treasured. Its brevity gives it a simple, distinctive quality, though parents might hesitate due to its stronger association with companion animals.

Sixties-style short form that sounds cool again -- though the unscrupulous Pete on "Mad Men" is not a character to emulate.

A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.

Phil is a masculine name primarily used as a familiar short form of Philip or Phillip, though it occasionally stands as an independent given name. Derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses,' Phil has been used across generations and carries a friendly, approachable quality. It gained particular popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. The name has a classic, unpretentious feel and is associated with notable figures like musician Phil Collins and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw. While many Phils formally have the longer version on their birth certificates, the shortened form has a warm, casual charm that has helped it endure as both a nickname and standalone name across different eras.

Soft name in the Mia-Nia-Tia family, Pia is heard in both European and Hindi languages.

Pim is traditionally a male nickname in the Netherlands, but its relative obscurity in the US would allow you to get away with using it for a daughter. This name has never been recorded in the US - for boys or girls. But it's style match with other slim, boyish nicknames for girls like Lou and Scout means Pim may not stay off the grid for much longer.

The short, cute Pim is a Top 100 boys' name in The Netherlands though little-known outside that country. But in a family overrun with Williams, Pim could make an original nickname setting a modern child apart from father Will and grandpa Bill.

The original Pip was the main character in Great Expectations (full name Philip Pirrip). Cute for a tike, maybe too cute for an adult.

Pippa, a peppy condensation of Philippa that turns it from serious to sprightly, has come into the public eye in a big way via the former Kate Middleton's sister.

Piri is a concise, distinctive feminine name with diverse cultural connections. In Hungarian tradition, it functions as a diminutive of Piroska (the Hungarian form of Priscilla), while in Turkish, it may relate to words meaning 'fairy' or 'angel.' The name also appears in Maori culture with various meanings. This multicultural name is characterized by its brevity and memorability, with just two syllables and a melodic quality that makes it both simple and distinctive. Piri remains quite rare in Western naming practices, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking something truly unique yet straightforward to pronounce. The name's cross-cultural presence gives it versatility while its simplicity ensures it travels well across language boundaries. Despite its rarity, Piri has a friendly, approachable quality combined with an uncommon distinctiveness.