Let’s be honest, we’re all fans of the nickname and it’s all that really matters when choosing a name. Okay, so maybe it’s not all that matters but finding an attractive first name is only half the task. You’re going to be calling your daughter some shortened form of it before too long and so it’s wise to consider the nicknames associated with a given name.
If you’re after an adorable nickname, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done some digging to find and share with you the best first names that have the most charming, cute, and functional nicknames ever. By choosing a baby name with some pet form options, the name can evolve and grow with your child as they age. For instance, the name Abigail is very buttoned-up but you might enjoy using Abbie for her when she’s little and eventually transition to Gail as she gets older. Now, Gail is just fine, but we feel like we’ve found more appealing options than that for you! Here 25 names for girls with the cutest nicknames to help you with your baby naming decision.
25. Alexandria – Al, Alex, Alexa, Allie, Ally, Andie, Dria, Lex, Lexa, Lexie, Sandra, Sandie, Sandy
Let’s get the ball rolling with a name that has approximately 2,000 nicknames: Alexandria. Al, Alex, Alexa, Allie, Ally, Andie, Dria, Lex, Lexa, Lexie, Sandra, Sandie, and Sandy are all options. Does knowing all the options make the decision easier or harder? This classic name with Greek origins means “defender of man.”
24. Amelia – Amy, Lia, Mimi, Mia, Millie, Milly
Now, we’re really in love with the nickname Mimi for Amelia but if that doesn’t suit you, consider Amy, Lia, Mia, Millie, or Milly. Amelia is a very popular name for girls in the US, so it’s wise to go ahead and pick a nickname to help tell her apart. Amelia has German origins and means “industrious.”
23. Antoinette – Ann, Annie, Toni, Netta
Now, we’re really into the nickname Netta for Antionette. If you’d like something with a bit more contemporary feel, consider Ann or Annie or get really fun by choosing Toni. Antoinette is the French form of a Latin name that means “priceless one.” Take this name to the bank!
22. Cameron – Cami, Cam, Cammy
Cami, Cam, and Cammy are all wonderful nicknames but we’re partial to Cam. Cameron is a Scottish name with a funny meaning: “crooked nose.” This is a wonderful unisex name and Cam works for both boys and girls as well.
21. Catherine – Cat, Cate, Cathy, Catie, Kit, Kitty
Take your pick! Cat, Cate, Cathy, Catie, Kit, and Kitty are all fun nicknames! Catherine is a classic name that’s been popular forever. The name has Greek origins and means “pure.” We love the nicknames Cat and Kit not to be confused with Kit-Kat.
20. Desiree – Des, Desi, Dez, Rae, Dezi
Desiree is an adorable vintage French name that has fallen out of fashion since the 1960s. We’d love to see it make a comeback, in part, because it means “wished.” The other thing we love about this name is that there is no shortage of charming nicknames associated with it. Des, Desi, Dez, Rae, and Dezi all work well and sound hip.
19. Eleanor – Ellen, Nora, Elle, Elly, Elle, Nori, Nell
Eleanor is a medieval French invention that means “other Aenor.” Ellen, Nora, Elle, Elly, Elle, Nori, and Nell can all be justified as nicknames. We absolutely love the nicknames Nori and Nell and think they’d work well today. Eleanor is the 32nd most popular name in the US so best to have a unique nickname lined up.
18. Gabriella – Gab, Gabby, Gabs, Brielle, Briella, Ella, Elle
Gabriella is the preferred Spanish and Italian form of the name Gabriel. The name means “God is my strength.” Often, the most time-tested names have the best variety of nicknames. Gabriella is no exception and you can choose from Gab, Gabby, Gabs, Brielle, Briella, Ella, or Elle.
17. Genevieve – Eve, Evie, Genna, Ginny, Viv, Gina
Genevieve is an English form of a French and German name that means “tribe woman.” We’re really into the nickname Evie and think it works especially well for Genevieve. If you’re after a one-syllable option, consider Eve, Gin, or Viv pronounced “veev.”
16. Henrietta – Etta, Ettie, Hattie
Henrietta is a romantic name with both French and English origins that means “estate ruler.” With tons of vintage charm, Henrietta comes with some fantastic nicknames including Etta, Ettie, and Hattie. Three cheers for Etta!
15. Imogen – Mo, Genny, Gen, Momo
Imogen has Celtic origins and means “maiden.” This name has long been popular in the UK but has never enjoyed favor in the US. Go ahead and change that! With some of the most adorable nicknames on the list including Mo, Genny, Gen, and Momo, you have no excuse not to go with this charmer.
14. Ivette – Ivy, Eve, Ivee
Traditionally spelled, Yvette, Ivette is an underutilized name that deserves more love. Ivette has French and Latin origins and means “yew tree.” The name can be shortened to Ivy, Eve, or Ivee. All three are gorgeous options.
13. Jasmine – Jas, Mina, Jazzy, Minnie
Jasmine is a beautiful name with Persian origins that refers to the flower. While the name gets spelled 100 different ways, the nicknames can vary with each spelling. In this case, Jasmine is associated with Jas, Jazz, Jazzy, Mina, and Minnie. Yes! All wonderful.
12. Josephine – Jo, Josie, Jojo, Fifi
If you’re looking for a super playful nickname, look no further than the options with Josephine. Jo, Josie, Jojo, and Fifi all are delightful. The name Josephine has English and Hebrew origins and means “God will add.”
11. Julianna – Julie, Jules, Juju, Anna
The Latin feminine form of the name Julian, Julianna means “youthful.” It’s been one of the most popular names for girls in the US for decades. Perhaps the attractive nicknames made from Julianna are to blame. Julie, Jules, Juju, and Anna all work really well.
10. Kathleen – Kat, Kathy, Leena, Kiki, Kate, Kath
Kathleen might seem like a rather stuffy choice for your daughter, but consider the nicknames Kat, Leena, and Kiki which all are very fun. The name has Irish origins and means “pure.” Kathleen is a name that looks great on paper, but the nicknames used in life are worth choosing this classic name.
9. Liliana – Lil, Lila, Ana, Lily, Lana
Liliana is the preferred Spanish and Italian form of the name Lilian and it means… “lily.” Lil, Lila, and Lana are our favorite picks for this name but Ana and Lily are pretty great as well.
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8. Mackenzie – Mac, Kenzie, Macey, Kenz
Mackenzie is a very Scottish name that’s become widely popular in the US. The name means “child of a wise leader” or “born of fire.” Okay!? We’re big fans of Mac and Kenz for a girl with this name.
7. Miranda – Mira, Missy, Andie, Andy
Mira has a nice ring to it, right? Miranda has Latin origins and means “marvelous” because it is. In addition to Mira being an exceptional nickname, we also like the idea of Andy as well.
6. Octavia – Ava, Avie, Avia, Tav, Tavi
Octavia is a Latin name that means “eighth.” This gorgeous name has some pretty iconic nicknames associated with including Avie, Tav, and Tavi.
5. Ophelia – Effie, Phelia, O, Felia
The dramatic name Ophelia sounds excellent already, but its nicknames make it even more appealing. We love Effie, Phelia, O, and Felia. Each helps to bring gusto to this ancient name. The name means “help.”
4. Penelope – Lola, Nell, Pippa, Penny
Another Greek name, Penelope has origins in mythology. The name means “weaver” and belonged to a figure who was raised by a duck and was later known for delaying her suiters by pretending to weave a garment while her husband was at sea. Hm. We love Pippa and Penny as nicknames.
3. Scarlett – Lettie, Letta, Scar
Scarlett is an English name with Arabic origins that means “red.” It was originally an occupational name that referred to a purveyor of dyed wool. This top 20 baby name has some exceptional nicknames that come with it, including Lettie, Letta, and Scar.
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2. Tatiana – Tanya, Tati, Taty, Tiana
Tatiana has long been a favorite in Russia, but over the last couple of decades has made huge gains in the US. It’s now a top 1,000 name for babies. The name comes from a Sabine-Latin family name that was later adopted by the Romans. It’s unclear what the meaning of this name is. But, who cares? With nicknames like Tanya, Tati, and Tiana associated with it, that’s all you need to know.
1. Zadie – Adie, Dee, Zay
Zadie is another form of the name Sadie. It has Hebrew origins and means “princess.” Zadie was most popular at the turn of the 19th century but fell out of fashion shortly thereafter. We foresee this name making a big comeback over the next few years. We absolutely love the nickname Zay.
There you go! 25 excellent names for girls with even cuter nicknames attached. While a nickname might not be first of mind, it’s always smart to consider those possibilities if you’re having trouble finding a name that lands.
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