A nickname is a symbol of affection, of familiarity and camaraderie.
It's also a term with an interesting history: the phrase 'nickname' is derived from the 14th-century term 'eke name', which translates as 'an additional name'. Over time, the word 'eke' (meaning 'to increase'), became 'neke', which then became the 'nick' of 'nickname', the term we know and use today.
Isn't it interesting the way language evolves?
A nickname may be cute, it may be creative. It could play on the first name or the last name.
It's a natural demonstration of friendship and intimacy, and it's almost inevitable that your child will end up with one. That's why it's so important, when choosing a name for your new baby, to consider the possible epithets and abbreviations that name will likely produce as your child grows up.
Love the name Rebecca but hate the name Becky? It may be worth going with something else entirely. We've compiled this handy list - a host of popular baby names alongside their meanings and the nicknames most often associated with them - for you to peruse, so you can make an informed choice.
Baby Names and Nicknames for Girls
Pondering what to call your new little girl? Wondering what her friends might call her as she gets older? Take a look at these names with nicknames for baby girls to help you decide.
1) Abigail - (Hebrew origin) means 'father's joy' - a sweet name for adoring dads who want something special for their baby girl. Nicknames: Abby, Abbi, Abs, Gail.
2) Alexandra - (Greek origin) means 'defender of men'. Nicknames: Alex, Ali, Alexa, Lexi, Sandy.
3) Allison - (German origin) means 'noble'. Nicknames: Ali, Ally.
4) Angelina / Angela - (Greek or Italian origin) means 'messenger' or 'angel'. Nicknames: Ange, Angie, Angel, Lina.
44) Victoria - (Latin origin) means 'victory'. Nicknames: Vic, Vicky, Tori.
Baby Names for Girls With More Popular Nicknames
We've rounded up a few fun nicknames for girls that we think you'll love. A lot of these are often used more than the first name from which they're derived.
47) Charlotte - (French origin) means 'free man'. Nicknames: Charlie, Lottie, Lotte, Lotta.
48) Elizabeth - (Hebrew origin) is a popular name with a plethora of cute nicknames to choose from. It means 'God is my oath'. Nicknames: Liz, Lizzy, Beth, Bethy, Betty, Eliza.
49) Francesca - (Italian origin) means 'free one' or 'from France'. Nicknames: Fran, Frankie, Franny, Franca, Cesca.
50) Gabriella - (Hebrew origin) means 'God is my strength'. Nicknames: Gabby, Gabi, Gab, Bella, Ella.
52) Isabella - (Italian origin) means 'pledged to God'. Nicknames: Issy, Izzie, Bella, Belle.
53) Isabelle / Isobel - Nicknames: (French origin) means 'devoted to God'. Nicknames: Issy, Izzie, Bella, Belle.
54) Pamela - (Greek origin) means 'all honey' or 'sweetness'. Nicknames: Pam, Pammy.
55) Rebecca - (Hebrew origin) means 'to tie' or 'to bind'. Nicknames: Becky, Becca, Bec, Rebby, Rebs, Becks.
56) Susanna - (Hebrew or Greek origin) means 'lily'. Nicknames: Sue, Susie, Sukie, Suze.
Baby Names and Nicknames For Boys
Choosing a name for your new little boy? Want to know what his first name is likely to become as he gets older? We've got tons of baby names here with their nicknames; you're bound to find something you love!
57) Adrian - (Latin origin) means 'man of Adria'. Nicknames: Ade, Adie, Ari.
58) Albert - (German origin) means 'noble' or 'bright'. Nicknames: Al, Albie, Alby, Bert, Bertie, Berty.
59) Alistair / Alasdair - (Greek or Scottish origin) means 'defender of men'. Nicknames: Al, Ali, Ally.
60) Anthony - (Latin or Greek origin) means 'praiseworthy', 'valuable' or 'priceless'. Nicknames: Ant, Tony.
61) Arthur - (Celtic origin) a traditional name, Arthur means 'bear'. Nicknames: Artie, Art.
62) Callum - (Scottish origin) means 'dove'. Nickname: Cal.
74) Oliver - (Latin origin) means 'olive tree'. Nicknames: Ollie, Olly.
75) Oscar - (Irish origin) means 'spear of God' or 'deer-lover'. Nicknames: Ozzy, Ozzie, Oz, Ossie, Ossy.
76) Ryan - (Irish origin) means 'little king'. Nicknames: Ry.
77) Sebastian - (Greek or Latin origin) means 'venerable'. Nicknames: Seb.
78) Stanley - (English origin) means 'by the stone clearing'. Nicknames: Stan, Stanny.
Baby Names for Boys With More Popular Nicknames
A lot of the names on this list started the 'nicknames as names' trend. Check out our selection of baby names with cool nicknames that have become more well-known than the originals. There may be a few you didn't know were related!
79) Alexander - (Greek origin) means 'to defend/protect'. Nicknames for Alexander: Alex, Xander.
80) Alfred - (English origin) means 'counsellor' and 'elf'. Nicknames: Alfie, Alf, Fred, Freddy.
81) Andrew - (Greek origin) means 'man' or 'manly'. Nicknames: Andy, Drew.
82) Archibald - (German origin) means 'bold'. Nicknames: Archie. Cute!
83) Benjamin - (Hebrew origin) means 'son of my right hand'. Nicknames: Ben, Benny, Benjy.
84) Charles - (German origin) means 'free man'. Nicknames: Charlie, Chuck.
85) Christopher - (Greek origin) means 'Christ-bearer'. Nicknames: Chris, Kit.
86) Daniel - (Hebrew origin) means 'God is my judge'. Nicknames: Dan, Danny.
87) David - (Hebrew origin) means 'beloved'. Nicknames: Dave, Davie.
88) Edward - (English origin) means 'fortune' or 'wealth'. Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Teddy.
90) Frederick - (German origin) means 'peaceful ruler'. Nicknames: Freddie, Fred.
91) Henry - (German origin) means 'ruler'. Nicknames: Hen, Henny, Harry (though Harry is now a common given name, it was originally a nickname for Henry!).
92) Jacob - (Hebrew origin) means 'supplanter'. Nicknames: Jake, Jay.
93) John - (Hebrew origin) means 'God is gracious). Nicknames: Jack, Johnny, Jackie, Jim (whilst Jack, has, of course, become a popular name in its own right, it was originally a nickname for John).
94) Jonathan - (Hebrew origin) means 'gift of Jehovah'. Nicknames: Jon, Jonny, Jono.
95) Joseph - (Hebrew origin) means 'he will add'. Nicknames: Joe, Joey.
96) Joshua - (Hebrew origin) means 'God is my salvation'. Nicknames: Josh.
97) Leonard/Leonardo - (German or Italian origin) means 'brave lion'. Nicknames: Leo, Lenny, Len.
98) Matthew - (Hebrew origin) means 'gift of God'. Nicknames: Matt, Mattie.
99) Maximilian - (Latin origin) means 'greatest'. Nicknames: Max, Maxi.
100) Michael - (Hebrew origin) means 'who is like God?'. Nicknames: Mike, Mick, Mickey, Mitch, Mikey.
Bachelor of Science specializing in Cinematography and Film/Video Production
Olivia ThristanBachelor of Science specializing in Cinematography and Film/Video Production
With a degree in Film and Television Production from Staffordshire University, Olivia is a writer who is passionate about photography and loves to watch documentaries. When she's not working on her writing, Olivia can usually be found experimenting with baking, collecting Lego figures, getting creative with polymer clay, and searching for the best pizza joints in the West Midlands and beyond.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.