Nickname Names

Riff is the name of the leader of the Jets in West Side Story, drawn from the musical word for a repeated phrase in a song. A tragic character in the musical, but a jaunty sounding name with the vibes of Ridge, Riggs, Raffy, and Lyric too.

Sal is a cute spin on the trend of boyish nicknames for girls, rarer than Sam or Ali.

Looks very much like it lost its first initial.

So-old-it's-cute-again short from of Harriet, reminiscent of Patsy and Betsy but fresher and more appealing than either of those choices. Hattie is another adorable short form.

A unisex nickname style name, similar in sound and feel to Andie, Randy, Indy, or Danny, Landie could be a short form of any name including the land element. This includes Landon, Roland, Leland, or Orlando, though it might also work for Leander or Lysander.

This Swedish diminutive could be an alternative to Tessa or Tess. It appeared in Swedish TV drama Bonus Family and a 2022 Swedish film, Tack för senast ("Thanks for the last time").

Popular in The Netherlands back in the 2000s, Tessel is a diminutive of Theresa or Telse; a short form of the rare Tesselschade, or a place name, referring to the Island of Texel (said Tessel). It could be a distinctive choice for those who like Tess and Hazel.

One of many diminutive forms of the classic Elizabeth, Telse has its origins in German where it might have been given as a nickname to an Else (think like Polly for Mary via Molly, or Nancy for an Ann), or emerged as a contraction of Sünt Else (Saint Else).

A sparky pet form of Vieno, combined with the Finnish suffix kki. It is rarely used as a given name.

A spiky and unexpected diminutive form of Sopio and Sophia, Sopiko is predominantly used in Georgia. Also spelled as Sofiko and Sophiko, notable bearers include chess played Sopiko Guramishvili and actress Sofiko Chiaureli.

This Georgian diminutive of Sophia can also be spelled as Sopiko and Sofiko and could be a way to make your Sophia stand out if Soph doesn't appeal to you as a nickname. Journalist, author, and presenter Sophie "Sophiko" Shevardnadze is a notable bearer.

A soft but distinctive Swedish short form of the rugged Ulrik, not to be confused with the Estonian (feminine name) Ülle. It has appeared on characters in the game series The Witcher and in the TV series, The Day of the Jackal.

A nickname style choice derived from the popular Sebastian, Sebbie feels like it could fit in with the likes of Teddy, Reggie, Billy, and Toby. Rarely used as a standalone name, it is borne by a (female) character in Ransom Riggs' book series, Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children and by Sebbie Hall, founder of The Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation.

An energetic short form of Hillary that currently feels fresher than the full name. With similar-sounding Millie and Billie gaining popularity in recent years, Hillie would be a fashionable way to honour a Hillary, or just a more unique -illie name.

A nickname style choice inspired by the popular boy name Sebastian, Sebbie has the zippy feel of Libby and Effie, the rugged charm of Stevie and Frankie, and the cutesy feel of Sunny and Mimi. Rarely used as a standalone name, it is borne by a (female) character in Ransom Riggs' book series, Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children.

A unisex nickname style name, similar in sound and feel to Andie, Candy, Indy, or Danny, Landie could be a short form of any name including the land element. This includes Holland, Orlanda, Scotland, or Ireland.

A multicultural nickname with a number of origins and multiple meanings, particular to the bearer. It can be a short form of Bozhidar, or any other name with the Slavic element "božĭjĭ", meaning "divine". It can come from the surname style Bosley, or the Biblical name Boaz. Ambrose and Boris could be alternative long forms.

A multicultural nickname style name, Boz has several different origins. It can derive from the Western African name, Bozoma, used in Ghana and borne by marketing executive, Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, and businessperson, Bozoma "Boz" Saint John. The name might mean "goddess", however other sources suggest it is a local, tribal name of the Nzema people.

Gentle yet sassy, Fliss is a short form of Felicity that has the spark of Flick, the softness of Lissy, and the cutesiness of Fifi.