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Names by Nickname

  1. Osie

    • Description:

      Osie is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Oswald (Anglo-Saxon for "divine power"), Osborne ("god bear"), or Oceanus (Greek for "ocean"). In some communities, it functions as a nickname for Josephine or Osiris. The name has a vintage, Southern charm in American contexts, particularly in rural communities. Osie peaked in the early 1900s but has remained quite rare. Its short, melodic sound gives it a gentle, approachable quality. The name carries a subtle sweetness and simplicity that appeals to parents looking for something distinctive yet unpretentious, with historical roots but a sound that works well in contemporary settings.
  2. Ossie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Oscar, Osias, Oswald et al

    • Description:

      Ossie is best-known as the name of actor Ossie Davis, whose full name did not start with Os: It was Raiford. But Ossie makes a cute contemporary short form for any name beginning with Os.
  3. Ota

    • Description:

      Ota is a feminine name with Japanese origins, though it also appears in Czech, Hungarian, and Finnish naming traditions with different etymologies. In Japanese, it can mean 'large field' or carry other meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. In European contexts, it often derives from the Germanic element 'ot' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' This cross-cultural versatility gives Ota an international appeal while remaining distinctively uncommon. The name's brevity—just three letters—contributes to its elegant simplicity, making it easy to pronounce across language barriers. Throughout history, Ota has maintained consistent but limited usage, never becoming trendy but persisting as a traditional option in several cultures. Its rarity in English-speaking countries makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something both authentic and uncommon.
  4. Otto

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"

    • Description:

      Otto is cool again. Long a quintessential Old Man Name, Otto has been promoted to trending darling of adventurous baby namers.
  5. Ouisa

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Louisa

    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias." Go for Lou or Lulu instead.
  6. Ova

    • Description:

      Ova is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic languages, it can be derived from words meaning 'egg' or 'life,' symbolizing fertility and new beginnings. In some Nordic contexts, it may be a variant of names like Ove or Ava. The name has a simple, melodic quality with its two syllables and open vowel sounds. Ova is uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving bearers a distinctive identity. Its brevity makes it practical yet memorable. The name carries an inherent gentleness while still maintaining substance. In some interpretations, Ova connects to themes of creation and potential, making it rich with symbolic meaning despite its simplicity.

  7. Ox

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "working cattle"

    • Description:

      Animal names are booming, but this is one that's never been used — although Boaz, which means "ox" in Hebrew, is starting to see more use. With its connotations of strength, teamwork and perseverance, and cool X sound, well, why not? It would work especially well for a child born in the Chinese Year of the Ox (February 2021-January 2022). If you need a longer version an obvious option is Oxford, but there's also Oxley, Oxton, or a slightly different sound like Oakley or Oswald.
  8. Odie
    • Onnee
      • Oppie
        • Pace

          • Origin:

            Word name

          • Description:

            Calm, straightforward, patrician sounding: Pace is one new-style name that's well-grounded.
        • Paddy

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Patrick, Irish

          • Meaning:

            "noble, patrician"

          • Description:

            Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.
        • Pai

          • Origin:

            Chinese & Indian surname name

          • Description:

            A moderately common surname in two of the world's most populous countries. Helen Pai is one of the main writer of the TV series Gilmore Girls.
        • Parry

          • Origin:

            Welsh

          • Meaning:

            "son of Harry"

          • Description:

            Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.
        • Pasha

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Pavel or Praskovya, Russian

          • Meaning:

            "small, humble; preparation"

          • Description:

            Sweet and soft but outdoorsy too, Pasha could make an interesting alternative to Sasha. Typically used as a diminutive for Russian male names like Pavel, it has also been used for the feminine name Praskovya.
        • Patty

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Patricia

          • Meaning:

            "patrician"

          • Description:

            Replaced Patsy as the midcentury's popular, peppy babysitter.
        • Pearl

          • Origin:

            Latin gem name

          • Meaning:

            "pearl"

          • Description:

            Pearl, like Ruby, has begun to be polished up for a new generation of fashionable children after a century of jewelry box storage. The birthstone for the month of June, Pearl could also make a fresher middle name alternative to the overused Rose. Cool couple Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson named their daughter Pearl Minnie, followed by Jack Osbourne picking Pearl Clementine. Several celebs have put it in the middle spot, as in Busy Philipps's Cricket Pearl, Jake Owen's Olive Pearl and Caleb Followill's Dixie Pearl .
        • Peg

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Margaret, Greek

          • Meaning:

            "pearl"

          • Description:

            Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs.
        • Pela

          • Origin:

            Polish short form of Penelope

          • Meaning:

            "weaver"

          • Description:

            For such a short, simple name, Pela has many possible derivations and meanings. It's most commonly cited as a short form of Penelope, but can also be a nickname for Pelagia, a name related to the sea.
        • 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.

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