Names by Nickname
- Tara
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"rocky hill"Description:
Despite a rich history in Irish myth preceding its plantation appearance in Gone with the Wind, widespread use in the seventies caused Tara to lose its Irish accent.
- Tassia
Origin:
Diminutive of Anastasia, GreekMeaning:
"resurrection"Description:
Tassia is an obscure short form used mostly in Russia and Eastern Europe, where the name Anastasia as in the executed Russian princess is common. Rarely found in the English-speaking world, Tassia could make a distinctive and attractive nickname for this elegant royal name and can easily stand on its own.
- Tate
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Though Tate is used almost exclusively for boys, we can see Tate as a stronger surname alternative to Kate or a clipped form of Tatum.
- Tate
Origin:
English from NorseMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
A strong single-syllable surname with a joyful meaning, Tate is finding a place on more and more birth certificates.
- Tavie
Description:
Tavie is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a diminutive of Octavia, derived from the Latin word for "eighth," or it could be a Scottish pet form of names containing "tav" like Gustava. In some cases, it appears as a short form of Octavie, the French variation of Octavia. This short, sweet name carries a vintage charm that feels simultaneously old-fashioned and fresh. Tavie has never been common in mainstream usage, remaining a rare choice throughout recorded naming history. Its brevity and soft sound give it an appealing femininity without being overly frilly. The name's uncommon status makes it attractive to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible, with historical roots but a modern feel. Tavie's gentle sound and vintage quality offer a unique alternative to more popular short names.
- Teb
Description:
Teb is an extremely rare masculine name with uncertain origins. It may function as a shortened form of longer names like Tebaldo (Italian variation of Theobald, meaning 'bold people') or could have roots in various cultural traditions not widely documented. As a standalone name, Teb has a minimalist appeal characteristic of modern naming trends that favor brief, punchy names. Its concise nature makes it distinctive and memorable, though its lack of clear etymology or traditional usage might pose challenges. The name's simplicity gives it versatility across cultural contexts, potentially appealing to parents seeking a truly uncommon name that works internationally and avoids elaborate pronunciation issues, though its obscurity means it carries few established associations or meanings.
- Ted
Origin:
Diminutive of Theodore or EdwardMeaning:
"gift of god; rich guard"Description:
Like Ed, Eddie and Teddy, Ted is rarely used as an independent name – in the US, at least. In the UK, Eddie ranks just outside the Top 200, Teddy ranks just outside the Top 30, and Ted is a Top 200 pick.
With Theodore rising, Ted may have new life among parents who don't want to use the short form Theo. And TV's Ted Lasso makes it a quintessential nice guy name.
- Tedda
Origin:
Short form of Theodora, GreekMeaning:
"gift of god"Description:
An alternative to Thea and Dora, Tedda is a nickname for Theodora that manages to feel both cutesy and boyish at the same time. Landing somewhere between Freddie and Bambi or between Sasha and Honey, Tedda is rarely used as a given name.
- Teddy
Origin:
Diminutive of Theodora, GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Cute boyish short forms like Teddy and Frankie and Billie are in some ways a relic of the past, of the days before unisex names, when girls were given feminized versions of their father's names, but they are starting to come into their own again.
- Tenny
Description:
Tenny is a masculine name with multiple possible origins, potentially functioning as a diminutive of names like Tennyson or deriving from English surname traditions. It may also have connections to the Old English word 'tene' meaning 'thin' or 'slender.' As a given name, Tenny remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet approachable. The name has a friendly, accessible sound with its two syllables and 'y' ending, similar in rhythm to names like Kenny or Benny. While rare in mainstream usage, Tenny occasionally appears as a nickname or informal variant. The literary connection to poet Alfred Lord Tennyson adds intellectual and cultural depth to this short, memorable name.
- Terry
Origin:
Diminutive of Terence or Thierry, EnglishMeaning:
"soft; thresher; ruler of the people"Description:
One of the first breakaway unisex baby names, Terry, used independently since the days of Terry and the Pirates. Popular in the mid-20th-century, it has fallen out of favor in recent years, replaced by Tommy, Sonny, and Ozzy.
- Terry
Origin:
English, diminutive of TheresaMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
Terry hit the Top 30 in the fifties when it was seeen as a cool, sleek gender neutral name, but it's long since lost that edge. Today's Terry would probably be Tess or Tessa.
- Tess
Origin:
English, diminutive of TheresaMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
With its solid Thomas Hardy background, Tess has a lot more substance, strength, and style than most single-syllable names, with an efficient yet relaxed image.
- Tetty
Origin:
English, diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Commonly heard in the eighteenth century, but could cause middle-school titters today. Consider Letty or Tessie instead.
- Tex
Origin:
Place-name, nickname for state of Texas residentDescription:
Despite its rakish western charm, still remains a cowboy costume without a real persona inside.
- Tey
Description:
Tey is a concise, gender-neutral name that has been used predominantly for girls in recent years. This succinct name may have origins in various cultures: it could be a variant of Tai (Chinese for 'extreme' or 'great'), a shortened form of names like Taylor or Teresa, or possibly derive from Old English elements meaning 'enclosure.' With just one syllable, Tey exemplifies minimalist naming trends while offering versatility and contemporary appeal. Its brevity makes it distinctive yet accessible, easily pronounced across languages. The name has maintained an air of exclusivity due to its rarity but fits well with modern preference for short, unfussy names. Tey carries a modern, streamlined aesthetic while still feeling warm and approachable, perfect for parents seeking something both simple and uncommon.
- Teza
Description:
Teza is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Ethiopian culture, particularly in Amharic, Teza relates to 'dew' or 'morning freshness,' symbolizing purity and new beginnings. The name may also have Slavic origins in some contexts, possibly as a diminutive of Teresa. In other cultures, it might be connected to the Greek 'theseus' meaning 'to set' or 'to place.' Teza has a distinctively international feel with its simple two-syllable structure and strong 'z' sound. Though uncommon in Western countries, its brevity and exotic quality appeal to parents seeking a cross-cultural name that's both distinctive and easy to pronounce. The name carries a bright, fresh energy with its open vowel sounds.
- Thad
Origin:
Short form of Thaddeus or variation of TadDescription:
Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.
- Thady
Description:
Thady is a masculine name of Irish origin, serving as a diminutive form of Thaddeus or the Irish name Tadhg, meaning 'poet' or 'philosopher.' This distinctively Irish name carries a strong cultural heritage while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality through its diminutive form. Historically used in Ireland for centuries, Thady gained some literary recognition through its use in Maria Edgeworth's novel 'Castle Rackrent.' The name remains quite rare outside of Ireland, giving it a strong ethnic character and uniqueness in international contexts. With its combination of historical depth and playful sound, Thady appeals to parents seeking an authentic Irish name that balances traditional roots with a lighthearted, affectionate quality.
- Thea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"goddess, godly"Description:
Thea is a diminutive of names ending in -thea, including Dorothea, Althea, and Anthea. It is also the Anglicized spelling of Theia, the Titan of sight, goddess of light, and mother of the moon. She was the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos.