Vintage Nickname Names
- Dottie
Origin:
English, diminutive of DorothyMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Dottie and Dot are old Dorothy nicknames that some cutting-edge Brits are bringing back to fashion. It's been half a century since Dottie ranked on its own in this country, one of those nickname names that flourished in the 1890's.
- Libby
Origin:
English, diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Through all the years when Betty, Betsy, Beth, Liz, and Lizzie were the Elizabethan nicknames of choice, the bubblier Libby was set aside, but today it may be the most modern of all—it has already made a strong comeback in England and Wales, where it ranks Number 139.
- Mitzi
Origin:
German, diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"beloved; drop of the sea, bitter"Description:
Mitzi is a sparky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Actress and entertainer Mitzi Gaynor (born Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber) made this a notable name in mid-century America, where it ranked alongside Jerri, Sherri, Christi, Jodi, and Mimi.
- Addie
Origin:
Diminutive of Adelaide or AdelineDescription:
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.
- Letty
Origin:
English, diminutive of Letitia or similarMeaning:
"joy, gladness"Description:
Letty is a sweet vintage gem, playful and cosy and more unexpected than Lottie, the popular pet form of popular Charlotte. Originally used as a nickname for Letitia or Lettice, it could also work for Scarlett, Juliet, Violet, Leighton, Arlette, Loretta, Colette, or Liberty.
- Essie
Origin:
English diminutive of Esther, Persian, or Estelle, FrenchMeaning:
"star"Description:
Cute short form of Esther, now associated with the iconic nail polish brand.
- Mamie
Origin:
Diminutive of Mary or Margaret, Hebrew, Egyptian, GreekMeaning:
"drop of the sea or bitter or pearl"Description:
Mamie is back. Having finally shorn her Mamie Eisenhower bangs, this insouciant and adorable nickname name is perfect if you want a zestier way to honor a beloved aunt Mary. Meryl Streep's actress daughter, properly named Mary Willa, is called Mamie Gummer. You might think of Mamie as a sister of the stylish Maisie.
- Hettie
Origin:
Diminutive of Henrietta, EnglishMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
- Aggie
Origin:
English, diminutive of Agatha and AgnesDescription:
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.
- Tibby
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Cute and unusual as a nickname, but lacking the legs to stand on its own.
- Tabby
Origin:
Diminutive of Tabitha, AramaicMeaning:
"gazelle"Description:
Feline nickname for Tabitha — a bewitching vintage choice.
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