Names by Nickname

Pixie is a cute -- quite possibly too cute -- name that suddenly feels possible thanks to the craze for names that contain the letter x. Though its origin may be uncertain, a pixie is internationally recognized as a sprite or fairy: tiny, sometimes green, usually pointy-eared.

British-born novelist Plum Sykes has taken this rich, fruity name out of the produce section and put it into the baby name basket. It's more appealing than Apple, more presentable than Peaches. The French equivalent, Prune, is very fashionable there but would not fly with English speakers.

Hip new middle-name choice, conjuring up the gothic tales of Edgar Allan, and current single-named pop singer Poe.

Pola is an international name that still bears the femme fatalish air of Polish-born silent screen vamp Pola Negri, whole birth name was Apolonia. Rarely used, she could join sisters Lola and Nola.

An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid.

Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.

Poppy, unlike most floral names which are sweet and feminine, has a lot of spunk. Long popular throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Poppy is finally starting to rise toward the top in the US, where it entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.

A sweet, nostalgic nosegay kind of name, Posy has been long fashionable in England, a country of gardeners, but this pretty bouquet-of-flowers name is still rarely heard in the US, though it could be seen as a more unusual possible alternative to Rosy or Josie.

Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.

Prissy is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Priscilla, which comes from Latin meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' The name has an undeniably vintage quality, most popular as a nickname in the early to mid-20th century. In contemporary usage, Prissy has developed associations with being prim, proper, or particular, influenced by its use as a descriptor in common language. This association has made it less common as a given name in recent decades. The name maintains a distinctly Southern American charm and retains appeal for those seeking a name with a sweet, nostalgic quality. Its short, bright sound pattern makes it memorable and gives it a friendly, approachable character.

Prudie is a diminutive form of Prudence, derived from the Latin word 'prudentia' meaning wisdom or discretion. This charming feminine name embodies the virtue of careful thought and good judgment. Popular during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable, Prudie offers a softer, more affectionate alternative to the more formal Prudence. While never reaching widespread popularity in modern times, it maintains a quaint, vintage appeal that occasionally attracts parents looking for something distinctive yet traditional. The name has appeared in literature and film, including as a character in Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park,' contributing to its literary pedigree.

After a long time in limbo, Prudence is now so clunky it'a cool, and it's starting to make a comeback, along with other Puritan virtue names like Mercy, Patience, and Constance.

Prune is a fruit name loved by the French, for whom it's a Plum equivalent. In the U.S., Plum works, but Prune is not a name we'd want to inflict on a child. Prunella is slightly more plausible.