Are you looking for a baby name that has a built-in cute nickname for your new daughter? This list of girls names that can be shortened will help you find the perfect name!
Why Choose a Girl Name That Can Be Shortened?
Some parents want to give their baby a formal name that can be easily shortened to a cute nickname. This will give your future daughter an option for a informal, girlish name for her youth, and a more formal, serious name to use in professional life and adulthood.
If you’re looking for a girl name that can be shortened, you’ve come to the right place! This list of lovely names for girls include several options for nicknames you will love. Many of these nicknames are unique, while others are new twists on classic nicknames.
Beautiful Girl Names with Nicknames
So without further ado, here are my favorite girl names that can be shortened.
Adelaide-Addy, Adele
Addison has been quote a popular name over the past few decades (Thanks Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice!). Adelaide (a German name meaning ‘noble’) is a more sophisticated and unique option, and you can still use Addy as a sweet nickname, or Adele as a more elegant option.
Alabama-Allie
As far as naming your child after a location, Alabama is such a fresh take with a slight rustic edge. It’s a really unique name, which is balanced out by a more common, but still adorable nickname.
Alberta-Bertie, Allie
The feminine form of Albert, Alberta means ‘noble and bright’. Prince Albert was the king consort of Queen Victoria, and their daughter was named Princess Louise Alberta, making Alberta a popular name in Victorian times.
Alessandra-Sandy, Sandra, Alex, Less
A more unique take on the classic Alexandra, Alessandra is sophisticated name (both are feminine forms of Alexander and mean ‘defender of men’). The nickname Sandy fits perfectly and balances the more formal Alessandra.
Amanda-Mandy
Amanda was first used in the 13th century in Britain. In Latin, it means ‘worthy of love’. Amanda is a classic name, popular from the Victorian times right up to today. Mandy makes a cute nickname!
Amaryllis-Lyss
Giving your name a floral-inspired name is a tradition that has been around for hundred if not thousands of years. Amaryllis is a more unique option than Rose or Lily, and the nickname Lyss gives it just a bit of edge.
Amelia-Millie, Amy
Millie can be a shortened form of several names, including Amelia. It means ‘industrious’.
Annaliese-Ann, Annie, Anna
Annaliese is quite a formal name and the nickname Ann lends some simplicity to a name that could be a bit overpowering.
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Antonia-Toni
Antonia is a super sophisticated name. Toni is a cute shortened version, but Ann could be another, more classic, option.
Arabella-Bella
I personally love nicknames that come from the end, not the beginning of the name. Bella is a sweet name that gives a bit of playfulness to a frilly name.
Beatrix-Trixie, Bea
Bea is one of my favorite names, which can stand alone or be a shortened form of Beatrix or Beatrice. Trixie is another more edgy option, if that’s your preference.
Bernadette-Bernie
Bernie is a great androgynous option for a very girly name like Bernadette.
Brianna-Bri, Anna
Brianna is a Celtic baby name that means strong. Either Bri, or anna makes a sweet shortened version of this powerful girl name.
Calista-Callie
Callie is the shortened form of Calista, meaning ‘beautiful, lovely’.
Calliope-Callie
Callie can also be a shortened version of Calliope (Ka-lie-op-ee). Calliope is a very unique name, but the nickname Callie has a more casual feel.
Cassia-Cassie, Cass
Cassia is another more unique vintage name,which comes from the Greek and means cinnamon. Cassie or even simpler, Cass would work for a nickname.
Charlotte-Charlie
Charlotte is such a classic name. An androgynous nickname like Charlie is the perfect balance. Lottie is another option if you’re looking for a more original twist.
Clementine-Clemmie, Clem
Clementine is another super frilly vintage name that I LOVE. Clemmie is the perfect cute, but not too cute, counterpart.
Cordelia-Delia
Some would choose Cordy as a nickname for Cordelia, but that reminds me way too much of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Delia is a more sophisticated choice for a nickname.
Danica-Dani, Nica
Danica means first star of the morning. I love the androgynous-sounding Dani as a nickname for Danica.
Dorothy-Dottie, Dollie, Dora
Dorothy is a pretty vintage name that hasn’t seen a re-surge in popularity like many other vintage girl names. Dorothy originates from the Greek word for ‘gift’. It’s hard to find a more retro name/nickname combo that Dorothy and Dottie. Love, love, love! If Dottie’s not your cup of tea, Dollie and Dora also make cute nicknames!
Eleanor-Elle, Ellie Lea, Nora
Eleanor is one ‘old lady’ name that hasn’t had much of a comeback. Elle is a lovely nickname that feels more modern, but Ellie and Lea also make perfect nickname choices.
Elizabeth-Betty, Libby, Beth, Lizzy, Liz, Liza
Elizabeth is a classic name that has been used by royalty for hundred of years and still is popular today. It means ‘God is my oath’. Betty is a great retro nickname instead of Liz. Libby is another cute and unique option!
Esmerelda-Esme
Esmerelda is another veeeery fancy name, meaning ’emerald’. Esme is still elegant, but also fresher and simple.
Estella: Stella
Estella comes from the Latin word meaning ‘star.’ Stella is a cute, less formal option for a nickname.
Evangelina-Leena
Evangelina is a Latin baby name, meaning ‘good news’. Some would use Eve as a nickname for Evangelina, but I think Leena is a more modern twist!
Evelyn-Evie
Evelyn is a just plain lovely name that means ‘wished for child’, but for a little girl, Evie suits a sweet personality.
Euphemia-Effie
Effie means ‘pleasant speech’ in Greek and is the shortened form of Euphemia. It’s another vintage name that is not over-used today.
Felicity-Liss, Flick
Flick is a little known, but super cute nickname for Felicity. If you prefer something a little more common, Liss is another great option.
Florence-Flossie, Flo
Florence is a beautiful, but underused “grandmother” name. I love Flossie for a shortened version, which is unusual without being weird!
Frederica-Freddie
I’m really loving the trend of unisex nicknames. Freddie is a great way to get in on that trend, while still using a formal name with a vintage appeal.
Gabriella-Brielle/Briella
Gabriella, meaning ‘woman of God’, is a very pretty name, but I loved the shortened version, Brielle, or Briella, even more!
Genevieve-Genny
Genny is a cute, but not too common nickname for the beautiful Genevieve.
Georgina-Georgie
Instead of the very popular Georgia, Georgina is another super girly name with super cool unisex nickname for your daughter!
Harriet-Hattie
If you like “old lady names”, you can’t get any more old fashioned than Hattie, which reminds me of a sweet old grandmother. Harriet is a lovely name that hasn’t regained popularity yet, but is bound to come soon.
Irene-Rena
Rena is a Hebrew name meaning ‘melody’. It can also be a shortened form of Irene, meaning ‘peace’.
Isadora-Izzy, Dora
Isabelle and Isabella are quite overused, but Isadora has the same feel with a fresh twist. Izzy or Dora would both make great nicknames.
Helen-Nell
Nell originated a a nickname for Helen, meaning ‘bright, shining one’.
Helena-Lena
Helena is another example of a very elegant name that might be a tad bit overpowering for a little girl. Lena is still elegant, but a little less sophisticated and a little more sweet.
Isabella-Ella, Izzy
Ella seems like a modern name, but it was actually the 17th most popular name of the 1880’s! It makes a great nickname for names that end in -elle, like Isabella.
Jamesetta-Etta
Etta James (most famous for the song, At Last) is an absolute legend, whose name was, in fact, Jamesetta. What a great way to honour the Matriarch of R&B by naming your daughter after her!
Josephine-Josie
One of my all-time favorite names, Josephine has a great vintage feel without being overused like Olivia and Sophia. Josie is a cute way to shorten it, as is Joey.
Juliana-Jules
Jules is a more modern and edgy nickname that the traditional Julie. The perfect complement to Juliana!
Katherine-Kat, Kate Katie
Kate and Katie are the shortened forms of Catherine/Katherine, which mean ‘pure’, regardless of the spelling. Kat is also a nickname, although less common.
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Lucille-Lulu
Lucille is the French form of Lucia, which means ‘torch’ or ‘light’. Lulu is such a cute shortened version of this beautiful name!
Luciana-Lucy
Luciana is an unusual vintage name that we don’t often hear. Lucy is a more accessible name that will be familiar to most.
Mackenzie-Kenz
Mackenzie is a Scottish name that means ‘comely’. Mac is a common shortened version of Mackenzie, although Kenz is another modern nickname with a bit of an edge. Definitely unique!
Mikayla-Mickey, Kayle
Mikayla is an English baby name, meaning ‘gift from God’. Mickey is a common shortened version of Mikayla, but Kayle is a more modern, unusual nickname. A twist on the classic name, Gail, Kayle is more modern and pays homage to one of my favorite leafy greens! Eco-chich at its best!
Margaret-Maggie, Marg, Maisie
Margaret comes from Sanskrit and means ‘pearl’. While Maggie is the traditional and most common nickname for Margaret, Maisie is a fun and slightly whimsical twist!
Marguerite-Daisy
You might be wondering how Daisy every became a nickname for Marguerite. Marguerite is actually the French word for Daisy. A super cute, yet uncommon pair!
Marigold-Goldie
You can pay tribute to the beautiful flower and iconic movie star Goldie Hawn in one swoop with this name/nickname combo!
Magnolia-Maggie
Although Maggie is a traditional nickname for Margaret, I just adore the name Magnolia, which is another great option that pairs with Maggie.
Matilda-Tillie, Mattie
Since I read Roahl Dahl’s famous book, the name Matilda has stuck with me. Tillie is a super sweet vintage nickname that words perfectly with Matilda, which means ‘strength in battle’.
Miriam-Minnie
Minnie is traditionally a shortened form of the Hebrew name, Miriam, meaning ‘sea of bitterness’, but can also be a nickname for any ‘M’ name, including Mary, Margaret, Minerva, etc.
Mary-Mollie
Mollie is a derivative of Mary, meaning ‘sea of bitterness’
Oakley-Oak
Oakley is a lovely boho girls name. It was originally a surname meaning ‘oak clearing’.
Olivia-Livy
Olivia is currently one of the most popular names for girls. Livy is a great way to mix things up and find a nickname that is a little more unique.
Olive-Ollie
The name Olive honours the olive tree. Ollie is an unusual, androgynous nickname that is casual but super cute!
Paulina-Polly
Polly is such a sweet old fashioned nickname and is the perfect way to shorten the traditional Paulina.
Penelope-Penny, Poppy, Nelly
Penelope can be a heavy, though lovely moniker. Penny is the sweetest little girl version!
Persephone-Percie
If you’re looking for a truly unique name and nickname combo, this is it. Persephone is about as unique as you’ll find, while the androgynous nickname Percie is a really cool pairing!
Petronella-Nellie
Petronella is a very frilly vintage name. It’s a very unique option (you can be sure there won’t be two Petronella’s in your daughter’s kindergarten class!). Nellie is a perfect simple, but still uncommon nickname to balance it out.
Philippa-Pippa
Pippa has been rising in popularity since Kate Middleton’s wedding. Philippa is the perfect more formal version that pairs well with this trendy nickname.
Philomena-Phil
Like Persephone and Percy, the pairing of the very dainty and uncommon Philomena becomes super cool with an androgynous nickname like Phil.
Rebecca-Bex, Becca
I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear the name Becky (Rebecca’s usual nickname), I think of two things, Aunt Becky, or Becky with the good hair. Neither Becky is one you want associated with your baby daughter. Bex is a more edgy and fresh option for Rebecca.
Rosalie-Rosie
Rosie is one of the most perfect nickname for a little girl. Rosalie is a great match for it, rather than the more common Rose.
Rosemary-Rosie
This beautiful vintage baby name means ‘dew of the sea’, after the herb, rosemary. It can also be a combination of Rose and Mary. Rosemary is yet another alternative to the traditional name, Rose. Rosemary has a vintage Holywood feel, as several famous Old Hollywood actresses, such as Rosemary Clooney, had this name.
Suzannah-Suzie
Suzannah is a Hebrew name meaning ‘lily’. It’s still a fairly uncommon baby name that has not risen in popularity as others have in the past few years. I love the vintage nickname, Suzie, for Suzannah!
Veronica-Nica
Although many would shorten Veronica to Ronnie, I think Nica is much more chic and unforgettable!
Viviane-Vivie
Viviane means life and comes from the Latin. It’s the perfect old fashioned name that is uncommon, but very recognizable. You have several different spelling options, the conventional English Vivian, or the French Vivianne.
Wilhemina-Willa, Mina
Wilhemina is another super fancy and frilly name. Willa is a lovely, simple alternative, while still remaining lovely and unique!
Winifred-Winnie, Win, Freddie
If you’re looking for a vintage name, Winifred is pretty much the best you’ll get. Winnie, or the even simpler Win, is the perfect pairing with the frilly Winifred. If you’re looking for something more androgynous, Freddie is a cute unisex nickname!
I hope this list has helped you on your quest for the perfect name! Happy name hunting
