Vintage Nicknames for Girls
- Jossie
Description:
Jossie is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of names like Jocelyn, Josephine, or Josette. With English and French influences, it carries a sweet, endearing quality through its 'ie' ending, which traditionally signals affection. The name has a bright, cheerful sound that conveys a sense of warmth and friendliness. While not among the most common girls' names, Jossie has maintained steady if modest usage throughout the years. It offers families a less formal alternative to longer classics while retaining their historical roots. The spelling variation with double 's' distinguishes it from similar nicknames like Josie, giving it a slightly more distinctive written appearance.
- Viney
Origin:
Diminutive of Lavinia and Melvina, Latin, CelticMeaning:
"from Lavinium; chieftan"Description:
Viney (and Viny) is an antiquated nickname for names with the "vin" component, such as Lavinia and Melvina.
- Cinda
Origin:
Diminutive of Cynthia or LucindaDescription:
Cindy for the 21st century.
- Doro
Origin:
Diminutive of DorothyMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Some parents might like this energetic diminutive for Dorothy used in the Bush family, though the traditional Dottie and Dot seem to be coming back.
- Floy
Origin:
Diminutive of FlorenceMeaning:
"flourishing, prosperous"Description:
All but unheard of today, Floy was a popular Florence nickname used on its own in a century ago: it was Number 448 in 1914. Charles Dickens uses Floy as a pet name for the character Florence Dombey in his novel Dombey and Son.
- Moll
Origin:
Short form of Molly, diminutive of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Meaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Moll is one of those names that is used all the time as a nickname for a nickname, but rarely put on the birth certificate. Moll Flanders is an eponymous 18th century novel by Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe,
- Beah
Origin:
Short form of BeatriceMeaning:
"she who brings happiness"Description:
A rarely seen member of the Beatrice clan, with its own distinctive charm.
- Mabs
Origin:
Diminutive of MabelMeaning:
"beautiful lover"Description:
You can just hear some sassy dame in a 1930s movie using this name. We prefer the original -- or even its original, Amabel.
- Nelie
Description:
Nelie is a feminine name that likely originated as a variant of Nelly or Nellie, which themselves are diminutives of names like Helen, Eleanor, or Cornelia. With Greek roots, if derived from Helen, it carries the meaning of 'shining light' or 'bright one.' Nelie has a delicate, vintage charm that feels both sweet and distinctive. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but became less common as the decades progressed. This rarity makes it an appealing option for parents seeking a name with historical roots but uncommon in modern classrooms. Nelie has a melodious quality and friendly feel, balancing the line between formal and familiar with its gentle sound pattern.
- Tib
Origin:
English diminutive of IsabelMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Tib and Tibb originated in the 13th century as nicknames for Theobald (for boys) and Isabel and Isabella (for girls). As Isabel grew in popularity, Tib(b) was used more often on girls. By the 16th century, Tib was a term for a young girl, much like Tom was for young boys.
- Patia
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noblewoman"Description:
An uncommon short form of Patricia – an innovative way to honor Great-Aunt Pat.
- Fronie
Origin:
Diminutive of Sophronia, GreekMeaning:
"sensible, prudent"Description:
These days Sophie would be the most likely nickname for Sophronia, but back in Colonial times, Fronie was a common diminutive.
- Cam
Origin:
Diminutive of Cameron or CamillaDescription:
A Pam for the modern age, improved by a harder edge and a tad less prissiness.
- Gert
Origin:
Short form of Gertrude, GermanMeaning:
"strength of a spear"Description:
Gert is an old school nickname for one of the oldest school names, Gertrude. Only the most adventurous, so-far-out-it's-in baby namers will choose Gertrude or Gert today, but it's definitely geek chic.
- France
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.
- Charty
Origin:
Diminutive of CharlotteMeaning:
"little and womanly"Description:
A Charlotte nickname heard much more often in Britain than here--American parents might prefer Charlie or Lottie.
- Rilda
Origin:
Diminutive of names ending -rildaMeaning:
"battle"Description:
With a hint of ruggedness and strength about it, but quirky, retro vibes too, Rilda is a rare nickname name. Similar to Tilda or Hilda, it comes from names ending -rild or -rilda, such as Serilda, Everild, Arilda, or Astrild, though it might also be used for the likes of Sarahild, Reinhild, or Romilda. Regardless, it comes from the Old Norse or Germanic elements hildr and hilt, both meaning "battle".
- Virgie
Origin:
Diminutive of Virginia, LatinMeaning:
"virginal, pure"Description:
Virginia is a hundred years past its peak of the 1920s, but according to Nameberry's own Hundred Year Rule, that means it's due for a comeback. Indeed, Virginia's long downward slide leveled off and reversed over the past 15 years, which means we'll be hearing more little girls called Virgie -- not the easiest nickname to bear, but still a cute old-fashioned choice.
- Dosia
Origin:
Short form of Theodosia, GreekMeaning:
"giving to God"Description:
Dosia is rare but not foreign, especially since the antiquated name Theodosia was highlighted in the play Hamilton.
- Debs
Origin:
Diminutive of DeborahMeaning:
"bee"Description:
Debbie is decidedly out, the original Deborah lovely, and other short forms -- Deb, Debs -- for occasional use only.