Vintage Nicknames for Girls

An old-fashioned nickname that hasn't been heard in ages--Cute and unusual, but lacking the legs to stand on its own. Maybe save it for your kitten.

Viney (and Viny) is an antiquated nickname for names with the "vin" component, such as Lavinia and Melvina.

Bobbsey Twins-era nickname name that could find new life via Nan, heroine of The Nanny Diaries. Nan was also the nickname of Annabel St George, the protagonist of Edith Wharton's novel "The Buccaneers".

These days Sophie would be the most likely nickname for Sophronia, but back in Colonial times, Fronie was a common diminutive.

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.

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.

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,

Debbie is decidedly out, the original Deborah lovely, and other short forms -- Deb, Debs -- for occasional use only.

Too fiscal.

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.

Vintage short form of Bridget, very rarely still heard in Irish Catholic communities.

A rarely seen member of the Beatrice clan, with its own distinctive charm.

Cleda is a simple but rare name that may be related to Cleta, the name of one of the Charities or Graces.

A Charlotte nickname heard much more often in Britain than here--American parents might prefer Charlie or Lottie.

An uncommon short form of Patricia – an innovative way to honor Great-Aunt Pat.

Looks very much like it lost its first initial.

An old-school nickname for a rare biblical gem. Hetty is a more favorable option.