You may be surprised just how many people you know who go by a nickname rather than their full given name. Gina may have ‘Regina’ written on her birth certificate. And Tony may actually be referred to as ‘Anthony’ by close family members. The more we think about it, we realize that people going by nicknames is perhaps more common than we thought.
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However, many parents are cutting out the confusion between full names and nicknames. Instead of giving their little ones a formal “full” name, they’re skipping straight to their desired moniker. More parents than ever have been giving their kids traditional nicknames as, well, their names. If you love the sound of a traditional nickname like Lucy and don’t want to go with the full form, Lucinda or Lucille, you shouldn’t have to.
With this in mind, we wanted to cut to the chase—or cut to the nickname, we should say. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite nickname baby names to be used for parents who love short(er) and sweet titles. Check them out below.
Our Favorite Nicknames as Names
For Girls
Aggie
From: Agatha
Make your Halloweentown dreams come true—at least partially—by giving your little pumpkin this adorable name meaning “good” and “pure.”
Bea
From: Beatrice
We can’t think of anything much cuter than a little baby Bee/Bea—plus, it opens the door to a whole realm of baby shower, first birthday, and nursery decor inspiration centered around honeybees.
Cece
From: Cecelia
While Cecelia might be “breaking your heart,” a little girl named Cece certainly won’t be! Reminiscent of the classic Simon & Garfunkel song, this sweet name means “blind.”
Dot/Dottie
From: Dorothy/Dorothea
You may know some Dotties who were born in the 1960s, as this nickname was a fairly common choice in those years. Don’t be surprised if you see this short form of Dorothy, meaning “gift of God,” inch its way back up in the charts.
Edie
From: Edith
Also fairly popular in the 1960s is this sweet but strong title meaning “prosperous in war.”
Elsie
From: Elizabeth
Not to be confused with Elsa from Frozen, this feminine nickname of Elizabeth means “pledged to God.”
Emme
From: Emmeline
Similar in charm to Emily and Emma, this old-fashioned title has German origins and means “universal.”
Hattie
From: Harriet
While there’s nothing cuter than a grandma-style baby name for a little girl, Hattie, meaning “home estate” or “ruler,” is pretty precious, too!
Izzy
From: Isabelle
If you love the charm of Isabelle but want something a little edgier, look no further. The two both hold Biblical meanings, the latter referring to “God contends.”
Kate
From: Katelyn/Katherine
This may be one of those nicknames as names we’ve gotten so used to we forgot they traditionally came from a longer title. A little girl of this name would share a title, meaning “pure,” with some iconic figures like Princess Kate and actress Kate Winslet.
Lena
From: Helena
Popular in Arabic, Hindi, Russian, Swedish, French, and Finnish cultures but traditionally seen as a nickname in the U.S., Lena holds the lovely meaning of “light.”
Livia
From: Olivia
Olivia may be a highly popular name already, but we happen to believe Livia is just as darling. Plus, if your favorite color matches the sky and ocean, this name, meaning “blue,” may be the perfect choice.
Lola
From: Dolores
As far as old-fashioned baby names go, Dolores is pretty lovely. But Lola, meaning “sorrows,” may be the perfect modern spin on the classic title.
Lottie
From: Charlotte
While Charlie has become a popular nickname choice for girls named Charlotte, let’s not forget the other charming sobriquet that also means “free man.”
Lucy
From: Lucinda
Lucy has become a common first name option in recent years, so much so that some may not have realized it started as a nickname. The sweet two-syllable name means “light bringer.”
Mae
From: Mary
A lovely middle name option, Mae is as cute as can be. The name holds several meanings, like “pearl,” “beloved,” and “rebellious.”
Maisie
From: Margaret
As many of us know, Margaret has quite a few options for nickname potential. There’s Margot, Maggie, and the adorable Maisie. Of Scottish origins, it means “pearl.”
Mari
From: Maria
A full name in the Japanese culture but a nickname in others, Mari refers to “truth” or “reason.”
Millie
From: Mildred/Millicent
A cuter nickname turned to a full name might not exist. Bestow upon your little one “gentle strength” with a title that holds this meaning.
Minnie
From: Wilhelmina
Welcome your little one with a sweet moniker matching her soon-to-be-favorite cartoon mouse. Although, if you ask us, the long form is pretty iconic as well.
Nellie
From: Eleanor
It’s no surprise that Eleanor has reached new heights in the baby name charts in recent years. But its shorter counterpart, which means “light-hearted,” is unsurprisingly not far behind.
Rory
From: Aurora, Lorelei
It’s also no surprise that this name, with a nod to Gilmore Girls, has increased in popularity in recent years. The short form has only left the top 1,000 of baby names a handful of times since the show’s inception in 2000.
Sadie
From: Sarah
Another name you may have not known started as a nickname is the sweet Sadie. A derivative of the Hebrew Sarah, either option is perfect for your little “princess.”
Thea
From: Althea
Not just the name of Ross and Monica’s grandmother, but a great nickname as a first name option, too! The Greek diminutive means “godly” or “goddess.”
For Boys
Abe
From: Abraham
Drawing inspiration from one of the most famed U.S. presidents doesn’t sound like a bad idea to us. With highly Biblical ties, the name refers to a “father of many.”
Alfie
From: Alfred
If you’ve found yourself loving the eclectic grandpa trend of 2024, Alfie may be the perfect title to bestow upon your little rascal. With the noble meaning of “wise,” it’s a great option to consider.
Ash
From: Asher
For a name that’s short and snappy and has a bit of an edge to it, consider Ash. Derived from Asher, the title embodies exactly what you want for your little guy with the meaning of “happy.”
Bastian
From: Sebastian
Fans of Schitt’s Creek may equate this name to the sneaky photographer, Sebastian Raine. But don’t let him give this strong, masculine Latin name a bad rep.
Billy
From: William
A highly popular choice in the early 1900s, it’s no surprise this name may come to mind when we think of black and white films. Give your little guy a James Dean level of coolness by bringing back this nickname.
Bram
From: Abraham
If you like the meaning behind Abraham but aren’t sold on Abe, maybe Bram will tickle your fancy. Giving an air of classic literature, it shares the Hebrew meaning of “father of many.”
Cal
From: Calvin
Short names are having their moment right now, and it doesn’t get much shorter than this ultra-cool title. Meaning “devotion,” it may be perfect for the little boy who has your heart.
Charlie
From: Charles
We love that this less formal form of Charles has started making a name for itself in the baby girl realm as well. No matter what baby it’s given to, it holds the noble meaning of “free man.”
Clay
From: Clayton
Raise a little artist-to-be with this British moniker meaning “clay worker.”
Cy
From: Cyrus
Just when we thought the name Cyrus couldn’t get any cooler, innovative parents shortened it. The Greek name is perfect for a warm-weather baby with the meaning of “sun.”
Dex
From: Dexter
Fans of the popular drama series Dexter may hold a special affection for this chic name meaning “fortunate.”
Eli
From: Elias or Elliot
Another highly Biblical name, Eli has been used as a full name and a nickname for quite some time. It holds the attractive meaning of “elevated.”
Ever
From: Everett
Let your little one know that you’ll love him for-ever with this highly unique name meaning “always.”
Finn
From: Griffin or Finnegan
There’s no denying the parents of today’s kids love the name Finn, with its popularity steadily climbing since the year 2000. With the meaning “fair” or “blessed,” it’s no surprise!
Gus
From: Augustus
Though Augustus is a pretty cool name in itself, there’s something extra “majestic” about its nickname.
Hank
From: Henry
Henry has been getting lots of love in recent years. If you ask us, though, Hank has some old-school charm that may be perfect for the next generation of future “home rulers.”
Jack
From: John or Jackson
As a society, we’re no strangers to having copious amounts of Jacks running around. Most of them from older generations, though, are likely using the nickname of John or Jackson. These days, parents are cutting out the middle man and going straight for their desired title.
Joey
From: Joseph
Similar to Jack is Joey. Lots of parents have loved the Biblical ties of Joseph. Parents these days may feel the same but opt for the sweet sobriquet.
Jules
From: Julius
It feels appropriate that this sweet, gender-neutral title holds the meaning of “youthful” as it does have a boyish air to it.
Kit
From: Christopher
Another gender-neutral option is this snappy name that’s perfect for the coolest little guy in town.
Leo
From: Leon
Detroit Lions football fans and parents who want to raise a fierce little one can both appreciate this short name meaning “lion.”
Liam
From: William
Currently number one on the top baby names for boys, it’s no surprise parents are loving this charming name that means “protection.”
Luke
From: Lucas
While Lucas may have been a popular choice earlier in the millennium, today’s parents are opting for the shorter form more often now.
Nico
From: Nicholas
Give your little one this Italian moniker to ensure he’s always victorious. It holds the meaning of “victory of the people.”
Raf
From: Raphael
We’re not sure a cooler name exists than this snappy nickname of Raphael, which means “God heals.”
Theo
From: Theodore
Just like your little one will be to you, this chic baby name means “God’s gift.”
Xander
From: Alexander
Perhaps the most noble of names, this nickname of Alexander means “defender of humankind.”
