Names by Nickname
- Citi
- Clary
- Clemo
- Coba
- Crig
- Cuddy
- Dafi
Description:
Dafi is a versatile name used for boys in Welsh culture and in Israel. In Welsh traditions, Dafi functions as a diminutive of Dafydd (the Welsh form of David), carrying the inherited meaning 'beloved.' In Hebrew usage, particularly in Israel, Dafi stands independently and means 'laurel' or can relate to honey and sweetness. This short, modern-sounding name has gained moderate popularity in Israel while remaining distinctive in international contexts. With just two syllables, Dafi offers simplicity and ease of pronunciation across languages, contributing to its cross-cultural appeal. The name balances a contemporary feel with meaningful cultural roots, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that is both accessible and uncommon. Dafi's dual cultural heritage adds depth to its compact form.
- Dag
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"daylight"Description:
Norse god who's the son of light plus historic diplomat Dag Hammarskjöld and author Dag Solstad combine to boost this Nordic name's appeal, but this could be difficult in English-speaking countries where the obvious tease will be "daggy Dag."
- Dai
Origin:
Welsh; JapaneseMeaning:
"beloved; great"Description:
A cross-cultural name that can be a nickname for David, as is common in Wales, pronounced "dye".
- Daisy
Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, EnglishMeaning:
"day's eye"Description:
Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.
- Dan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Often stands alone in Israel, but rarely here.
- Darcy
Origin:
English from French, d'ArcyMeaning:
" from Arcy"Description:
Though Darcy is the ultimate Jane Austen hero name, it is rarely used for boys today though it's on the upswing for girls. A shame as it's a handsome, roguish kind of appellation that combines elements of French flair, aristocratic savoir faire, and a soft Irish brogue. And in terms of image, it's one of the quintessential English names for boys.
- Dart
Origin:
English place- and word nameDescription:
This British river name sounds sleek and strong but perhaps a bit too energetic.
- Dasha
Origin:
Diminutive of Dariya or Darya, RussianMeaning:
"possessing goodness"Description:
An energetic — dare we say dashing — Russian diminutive of Darya that hasn't caught on in the same way as Sasha has in the English speaking world.
- Davis
Origin:
Surname derived from David, HebrewMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Davis is a fresh way to say David. Some sources define it as "son of David," but we see it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge -- and still gets you to the classic guy nickname Dave.
- Daw
Description:
Daw is a masculine name with varied origins across multiple cultures. In English contexts, it likely originated as a nickname referring to the bird (a type of crow), possibly denoting someone with dark features or clever characteristics. In Myanmar (Burma), Daw is actually an honorific title for respected women, similar to 'Madam.' The name also appears in Welsh and Cornish traditions. As a given name, Daw is extremely rare, making it an uncommon choice with ancient roots. Its brevity gives it a stark, strong quality—simple yet distinctive. The name's short, clear sound works well internationally, being easy to pronounce across languages. For parents seeking an ultra-minimalist name with natural connections and cross-cultural presence, Daw offers a rare option.
- Dawe
Description:
Dawe is an uncommon masculine name with medieval English origins. It developed as a diminutive form of David, which means 'beloved' in Hebrew. Historically, Dawe was used as both a given name and surname in England during the Middle Ages. The name also has associations with the bird species, as 'daw' refers to the jackdaw, a type of crow. Dawe has a simple, strong sound with its single syllable and soft ending. While rare in modern usage, it offers an interesting alternative to more common forms like Dave or David. The name's historical roots and natural association give it both depth and character despite its brevity.
- Dean
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"church official"Description:
Dean may sound to some like a retro surfer boy name, but it is once again climbing up the popularity chart in the USA. For decades it was associated with Dean (born Dino) Martin; more recent representatives include Dean Cain, Dean McDermott and Dean Koontz -- not to mention Jared Padalecki's dreamy Dean Forester in Gilmore Girls.
- Deb
Origin:
Short form of Deborah, HebrewMeaning:
"bee"Description:
During the heyday of Deborah, Debra, and Debra -- the late 1950s and early 60s -- there were enough baby girls named Deb, just Deb, for it to make the Top 1000.
- Deian
Description:
Deian is a masculine name with Welsh origins, pronounced approximately as 'DAY-an.' In Welsh tradition, it's believed to be a form of Dafydd (the Welsh equivalent of David), though some sources connect it to ancient Celtic elements meaning 'divine' or 'bright.' The name carries significant cultural importance in Wales, where it maintains steady usage as a traditional Welsh name that honors the country's linguistic heritage. Deian has a melodic, flowing quality that's characteristic of many Welsh names. Outside of Wales and Welsh communities, Deian remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being reasonably straightforward to pronounce. The name projects qualities of brightness, clarity, and perhaps a connection to Welsh cultural traditions. Its uncommon status makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and a distinctive sound.