Boyish Nicknames For Girls

  1. Pen
    • Description:

      Pen as a feminine given name is exceptionally rare, functioning more commonly as a nickname for longer names like Penelope, Pentha, or Penina. As a standalone name, Pen has a minimalist, modern appeal, embodying the contemporary trend toward brief, impactful names. The word 'pen' derives from the Latin 'penna' meaning 'feather,' which were historically used as writing instruments, giving the name associations with creativity, communication, and expression. While uncommon as a full given name, Pen's simplicity gives it versatility across cultures and languages. Its brevity makes it distinctive in an era where longer names are more typical. For parents seeking a name that's straightforward yet meaningful, Pen offers a rare combination of simplicity and symbolic depth.

  2. Po
    • Origin:

      Italian river name
    • Description:

      The good news: the Po is Italy's longest river, flowing across the north. The bad news: Po is a manic, scooter-riding red Teletubby.
  3. Quinn
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Conn, chief leader, intelligence"
    • Description:

      Quinn is one of the first popular Irish unisex surnames, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. Quinn was used for about 3000 baby girls and 700 boys in the US last year.
  4. Rae
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Rachel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "ewe"
    • Description:

      All the old ae/ay middle names for girls are back--Kay, Fay, Mae/May, --and Rae is one of the coolest, used as such by celebrities as Mark Wahlberg and Daniel Baldwin.
  5. Reese
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "ardor"
    • Description:

      The sassy, steel magnolia appeal of Oscar-winning Reese (born Laura Jeanne—Reese is her mother's maiden name) Witherspoon has single-handedly propelled this formerly boys’ name into girls' popularity.
  6. Ricki
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Richard or diminutive of Frederica, German
    • Meaning:

      "dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"
    • Description:

      One of the earliest of the relaxed, unisex names, now relegated to oldies rock stations. Ricki is a spirited, retro nickname traditionally short for Frederica but now stands strong on its own. Notable bearers include talk show host Ricki Lake, giving it a bold, independent vibe.
  7. Rio
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "river or place of the cherry blossoms"
    • Description:

      Rio is one of Japan's most popular girls' names, constantly sitting in that country's Top 10. Of course, Rio may also stem from the Portuguese and Spanish word for river, and the Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro. A truly international name for a cosmopolitan baby!
  8. Ro
    • Origin:

      Short form of Rose, Rosemary, Rowena, Rory et al
    • Description:

      Ro is a casual short form that doesn't usually appear on the birth certificate on its own. But it makes a friendly nickname for any girls' name starting with Ro-.
  9. Ronnie
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "she who brings victory; true image"
    • Description:

      Androgynous nickname for Veronica, Rhonda or Rona. Traditionally a male nickname for Ronald, Ronnie s finding new life as a girl's name amid the rising trend of boyish nicknames for girls. With its short, spunky style, Ronnie fits right in alongside other revived vintage picks like Frankie and Scottie.
  10. Theo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Theodora
    • Meaning:

      "divine gift"
    • Description:

      Theo has a girls' name is used for only a handful of babies today. As a short form of Theodora, Theo is used much less frequently than Thea or even Teddy. One notable appearance was as the younger daughter in Sofia Coppola's film On the Rocks in 2020.
  11. Ty
    • Vic
      • Description:

        Vic as a feminine name is typically a diminutive form of Victoria, which means "victory" from Latin origins. While more commonly used as a masculine nickname (short for Victor), its usage as a feminine name offers a short, punchy alternative to the more formal Victoria. This brief, one-syllable name carries a modern, androgynous quality that appeals to those seeking gender-neutral options. As a standalone feminine name, Vic is quite rare, giving it distinction while still maintaining connection to the classic Victoria. Its simplicity makes it practical and memorable, while its traditional roots provide historical depth behind its contemporary feel.

    • Win
      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Winifred or Winslet
      • Description:

        Win might be an upbeat short form for a girl named Winifred or the new-fangled Winslet, or can stand on its own. The Welsh name Wynn feels more complete and sounds the same.
    • Xan