Names by Nickname

  1. Theo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Theodore
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      See the popularity graph below for the name Theo? It's been heading straight uphill since 2010, when it hopped back onto the Top 1000 after a 60+ year absence.
  2. Thera
    • Description:

      Thera is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the island of Thera (modern Santorini) in the Aegean Sea. The name carries historical significance as this island was home to an important Minoan civilization before a volcanic eruption dramatically altered it around 1600 BCE. Thera has a timeless, ethereal quality with its soft sounds and classical roots. Though uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and Mediterranean connections. The name evokes images of azure waters and ancient cultures, giving it an exotic yet accessible feel. Thera combines strength and femininity with its brief yet melodious pronunciation.
  3. Tia
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of names ending -tia
    • Description:

      A short, bright name which originates as a short form of names including Tiana, and Tatiana. Not as popular as Mia – a plus if you're seeking a short and pretty but less common name. In Spanish and Portuguese tía/tia is a word meaning "aunt". In Haida culture in indigenous Canada, Tia is a goddess of peaceful death.
  4. Tibby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Cute and unusual as a nickname, but lacking the legs to stand on its own.
  5. Tiff
    • Description:

      Tiff is a feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive form of Tiffany. Originating from the Greek word 'theophania' meaning 'manifestation of God,' Tiffany became popular in the 1980s, with Tiff emerging as its casual, spunky short form. This brief, punchy name carries a modern, informal charm that appeals to parents seeking something straightforward yet distinctive. As an independent name, Tiff conveys a bright, energetic personality in just one syllable. While not commonly found in official name rankings, Tiff has maintained steady usage as a nickname. The name gained additional cultural recognition through characters in films and television. Its brevity makes it practical and memorable, fitting contemporary trends toward shorter names.
  6. Tilda
    • Origin:

      Estonian, diminutive of Matilda
    • Description:

      Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
  7. Tilly
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Matilda
    • Meaning:

      "battle-mighty"
    • Description:

      A favorite in England and Wales where nicknames as given names are very much the norm, Tilly has the potential to catch on in the US, given its similarity to the popular Lily and Ellie and the rising stars Millie, Billie, Kallie, and Nellie.
  8. Tim
    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Timothy
    • Description:

      Tim is a boyish short form very rarely given on its own.
  9. Timo
    • Origin:

      Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy
    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"
    • Description:

      Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
  10. Tin
    • Description:

      Tin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Vietnamese, it means "belief" or "trust," making it a name with positive virtues embedded in its meaning. In Chinese culture, the name can represent different characters depending on the tone and written form, potentially meaning "sky" or other concepts. As a Western name, Tin might be used as a shortened form of names like Martin, Austin, or Constantin. The brevity of Tin gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that works well cross-culturally. While uncommon as a standalone name in most Western countries, its simplicity and international versatility make it an increasingly interesting choice for parents seeking a name that is both concise and meaningful.

  11. Tip
    • Origin:

      American nickname
    • Description:

      Though distinguished former Speaker of the House Thomas P. O'Neill was known as Tip, it's usually best to leave names like Skip, Flip, Kip, Pip, Rip, and Tip to the pets of the household.
  12. Tisha
    • Description:

      Tisha is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can function as a diminutive of Patricia or Letitia, but also has independent roots as a Sanskrit name meaning 'auspicious' or 'fortunate.' In Hebrew contexts, it may relate to Tisha B'Av, a significant date in the Jewish calendar. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s, partly influenced by actress Tisha Campbell. With its simple two-syllable structure and accessible pronunciation (TEE-sha), the name offers a friendly, approachable quality. Though less common today than in previous decades, Tisha maintains appeal for parents seeking a short, sweet name with cross-cultural connections. Its brevity and feminine sound make it distinctive without being complicated.
  13. Toby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Tobias
    • Description:

      This jaunty unisex nickname name has recently been given a shot of testosterone via actor Tobey Maguire and the gruff, erudite character on West Wing.
  14. Toby
    • Origin:

      Female diminutive of Tobias, Greek from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is good"
    • Description:

      Toby is an early unisex name with a Shakespearean pedigree; when used for a girl it retains its tomboyish quality. Fits well with the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls -- alongside rising choices like Frankie and Stevie. Toby peaked as a girl's name in 1936 and was last on the charts in 1975. Though, it's been slowly rising in recent years with nearly 100 baby girls named Toby in 2023.
  15. Todd
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "fox"
    • Description:

      A 1970s beach boy surfing buddy of Scott, Brad, and Chad, Todd is given to relatively few babies these days.
  16. Tola
    • Description:

      Tola is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Polish, it serves as a diminutive for names like Antonina or Victoria. The name also appears in Hebrew (meaning 'worm,' though contextually representing humility), African cultures (with various meanings including 'wealth' in Yoruba), and can be found in Indian naming traditions as well. This multicultural presence gives Tola versatility and cross-cultural appeal. The name's brevity and simple pronunciation make it easily accessible across language barriers. Though uncommon in most Western countries, Tola enjoys recognition in its cultures of origin. The name's compact form and open vowel sounds create a gentle yet distinctive impression, offering simplicity while maintaining uniqueness.

  17. Tolly
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Tolliver or Bartholomew
    • Description:

      Tolly is an antique short form that is not only jolly but makes Bartholomew usable in the modern world, when Bart is too Simpsonesque. For the adventurous nicknamer, Tolly might even be a novel short form of Oliver.
  18. Toni
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Antium"
    • Description:

      In the 1940s, Toni began to surpass its progenitor, Antonia, but it peaked in 1960 and has since dropped back below the US Top 1000.
  19. Tony
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Anthony
    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"
    • Description:

      Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.
  20. Tory
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Victoria
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      More modern nickname for Victoria than Vicky. Better known as Tori spelling.