Nickname Names

Short for Samantha or long for Sam, Sammy is a sweet midcentury nickname name that we can see coming back.

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.

Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel.

Prime pert-teenager name in midcentury TV shows, replaced by Maggie.

Seen across Europe as both an independent name and a short form of names such as Antoni and Anton. In the US, however, this is considered to be the feminine spelling.

Macho-er than thou.

Spence is occasionally used as a name all on its own and it has more of a sense of completeness than many nickname-names.

Has followed mother name Maureen off the radar screen.

Adds some dash and substance to Lon.

Actor Rhames's imaginative shortening of the prosaic Irving, giving it new life and energy.

The jazziest nickname for Charles.

Ettie or Etty works as a nickname for any name with a prominent "et" sound, usually at the end: think Henrietta, Juliette or Colette. The -ette ending is a French diminutive suffix.

A bit too cunning.

A distinctive Polish short form of Krystyna, ultimately deriving from Christian, Krysia has a similar feel to Sasha, but with a bit of kick from the K sounds.

Tib was a unisex nickname in the 13th century, used as a short form of Theobald and Isabel. As Theobald waned in popularity, it became far more associated with girls, so much so that Tib was a term for young girls by the 16th century.

Cute nickname with multicultural appeal — in addition to Yoav, Yovi could be short for names such as Yovan and Yovani.