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Adorable Nicknames for Girls: With Catchy Meanings

Updated
These darling nicknames for girls will make your girl feel like a star.

Choosing a name for your baby girl is a big task, but finding the perfect nickname? That’s where the fun really begins. Whether you are looking for something preppy, edgy, or sweet, a nickname adds a layer of personality to your daughter’s identity.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up over 250 girl nicknames. We included origins and meanings to help you make an informed choice. Grab a coffee and get comfortable; let’s find a name that sticks.


90 Beautiful Nicknames for Girls

From elegant classics to lovely modern picks, these beautiful nicknames for girls turn heads for all the right reasons.

  1. Addie – a German title meaning “sweet” or “noble,” perfect for a good-natured girl.
  2. Aggie – of Greek origin, usually a diminutive of Agnes, meaning “pure” or “holy.”
  3. Alex – short for Alexandra, a Greek title meaning “defender of the people.”
  4. Anna – a Hebrew title meaning “grace” or “beauty;” often short for Annaliese or Julianna.
  5. Ari – short for Ariana or Ariel, a Hebrew title meaning “lion of God.”
  6. Barb – of Latin origin, meaning “foreign woman,” often a retro short form of Barbara.
  7. Bea – a vintage moniker for Beatrice, meaning “bringer of happiness.”
  8. Becca – a classic Hebrew title taken from Rebekah, the biblical wife of Isaac.
  9. Bella – of Italian origin, meaning “beautiful,” short for Isabella or Annabella.
  10. Belle – a French title meaning “beauty,” popularized by Beauty and the Beast.
  11. Beth – means “pledged to God,” associated with the gentle sister in Little Women.
  12. Bonita – a lovely Spanish name literally meaning “pretty” or “cute.”
  13. Bonnie – a cheerful Scottish term meaning “beautiful” or “good.”
  14. Callie – one of many mythical women’s nicknames connected to Callisto, meaning “most beautiful.”
  15. Caro – of German, Roman, and Spanish origins, short for Caroline or Carol.
  16. Carrie – a German moniker meaning “free man,” often a diminutive of Caroline.
  17. Charlie – a German title short for Charlotte or Charlene, meaning free man.
  18. Chrissy – of Latin origin, meaning “follower of Christ,” a nickname for Christina.
  19. Cindy – a Greek and Latin title often short for Cynthia or Cinderella.
  20. Cora – of Greek origin, meaning “maiden,” perfect for your little best friend.
  21. Dani – short for Danielle, a Hebrew title meaning “God is my judge.”
  22. Delia – a Greek name referring to the island where Artemis was born.
  23. Dorie – a Greek title meaning “gift,” fitting for your beautiful little present.
  24. Dot – a retro variant of Dorothy, a Greek title meaning “gift of God.”
  25. Drea – can be masculine or feminine, short for Andrea, a Greek title meaning “strong.”
  26. Elle – of Hebrew and Greek origin, meaning “she” or “sun ray.”
  27. Ellie – a Hebrew moniker popular in the U.K., short for Eleanor or Elizabeth.
  28. Elsa – of German and Hebrew origin, meaning “noble” or “pledged to God.”
  29. Elsie – a Scottish variant of Elizabeth meaning “pledged to God.”
  30. Emmy – of German origin, meaning “universal,” often short for Emily or Amelia.
  31. Esme – a French and Spanish title meaning “esteemed” or “loved.”
  32. Eva – a variation of Eve, the first woman created, symbolizing life.
  33. Gabby – a lively nickname for Gabrielle, a French title meaning “God is my strength.”
  34. Gem – has Italian roots, the perfect option for your precious jewel.
  35. Gracie – a Latin title derived from Grace, symbolizing divine favor.
  36. Holly – of English origin, referring to the holly tree, often used for winter babies.
  37. Ida – a German title meaning “industrious one,” or short for Idina.
  38. Jazz – a flirty American title short for Jazmine, also refers to the music genre.
  39. Jean – a French moniker meaning “God is gracious,” connected to John.
  40. Josie – of Hebrew origin, meaning “God will increase,” a nickname for Josephine.
  41. Kai – a powerful Hawaiian title meaning “sea,” symbolizing adventure.
  42. Kate – of Greek and English origin, meaning “pure,” perfect for an innocent tot.
  43. Kay – a Greek moniker short for Katherine, meaning “pure.”
  44. Kenzie – short for Mackenzie, meaning “son of Kenneth” or “fair one.”
  45. Laney – a sweet English title meaning “bright light” or “torch.”
  46. Lee – an English surname referring to a meadow or clearing.
  47. Leese – a charming moniker for Alice, a German title meaning “noble.”
  48. Leigh – connected to Lee, a Celtic moniker meaning healer or meadow.
  49. Lena – a versatile title with global roots, often meaning “shining” or “light.”
  50. Lexa – has Greek origins and is connected to Alexandra, meaning “defender.”
  51. Lil – of Latin origin, referring to the lily flower, symbolizing purity.
  52. Linda – a Spanish option meaning “pretty” or “beautiful.”
  53. Lou – of French and German origin, a short pick meaning “famous warrior.”
  54. Lucy – has English roots, meaning “of light,” traditionally given to girls born at dawn.
  55. Lux – of Latin origin, meaning light, but implies a luxurious lifestyle.
  56. Lynne – of Welsh origin, referring to a lake; often a suffix for names like Kaitlynne.
  57. Maddie – a Hebrew option short for Madeline, meaning “woman from Magdala.”
  58. Maisie – a Scottish variant of Margaret meaning “pearl,” perfect for your treasure.
  59. Mandy – means “worthy of love,” a derivative of Amanda.
  60. Meg – one of many 3-letter nicknames, short for Megan or Margaret.
  61. Mickey – a derivative of Michaela, meaning “who is like God” in Hebrew.
  62. Mindy – an American option often short for Melinda, meaning “black and beautiful” or “sweet.”
  63. Nan – of Hebrew origin meaning “grace,” usually short for Nancy or Hannah.
  64. Nessa – a Greek title short for Vanessa, meaning butterfly.
  65. Nette – meaning “clean” or “gracious,” a suffix of Annette and Jeanette.
  66. Nev – of Latin origin, short for Neva or Geneva, meaning “snow” or “new village.”
  67. Nina – of Hebrew and Spanish origin, meaning “God is gracious” or “little girl.”
  68. Nita – short for Anita or Juanita, with Spanish origins meaning “God is gracious.”
  69. Nora – of Latin origin, meaning “honor” or “light,” symbolizing positivity.
  70. Nova – derived from Novus, meaning “new,” associated with bright stars.
  71. Oak – an Old English option referring to the oak tree, symbolizing endurance.
  72. Ollie – short for Olive or Olivia, meaning “olive tree,” a symbol of peace.
  73. Ona – of Slavic and Hebrew origins, meaning “grace” or “favor.”
  74. Penny – short for Penelope, meaning “weaver” in Greek.
  75. Percie – of French origin, meaning “pierces the valley,” a bold choice.
  76. Polly – connected to Molly and Mary, meaning “star of the sea.”
  77. Prissy – a moniker for Priscilla, a title with Latin roots meaning “ancient.”
  78. Rae – of Hebrew origin, connected to the biblical title Rachel, meaning “ewe.”
  79. Rena – a Hebrew nickname meaning “joy” or “melody.”
  80. Rosie – has Latin roots referring to the rose flower, symbolizing love.
  81. Sophie – of Greek origin, short for Sophia, meaning “wisdom.”
  82. Stacie – a Greek option short for Anastasia, meaning “resurrection.”
  83. Stella – has Latin and Italian roots, meaning “celestial star.”
  84. Susie – of Hebrew origin meaning “lily,” short for Susan or Susanna.
  85. Sylvie – a French option referring to the forest, symbolizing nature.
  86. Tina – a versatile suffix for names like Christina, Martina, or Bettina.
  87. Toni – a derivative of Antonia, a French pick meaning “priceless one.”
  88. Tori – a kawaii Japanese option meaning “bird,” or short for Victoria.
  89. Val – of Latin origin, a derivative of Valerie, meaning “strength” or “health.”
  90. Wren – an English option connected to the small songbird.

90 Unique Nicknames for Girls

Want something that stands out? These unique picks ensure she’s the only one in class with her cool moniker.

  1. Ace – a Latin option meaning “one” or “unity,” referring to the highest card.
  2. Allie – short for Allison, a German title meaning “noble.”
  3. Ang – of Greek origin, short for Angela, meaning “messenger of God.”
  4. Ash – short for Ashley or Asher, meaning “ash tree” or “happy.”
  5. Aubs – short for Aubrey, a German and French option meaning “elf ruler.”
  6. Auggie – of Latin origin, short for Augusta or August, meaning “magnificent.”
  7. Barbie – short for Barbara, iconic due to the famous Mattel doll.
  8. Battie – a quirky diminutive of Beatrice or Batya, meaning “daughter of God.”
  9. Bebe – of French origin, meaning “baby,” or a phonetic spelling of B.B.
  10. Beck – means “brook” or “stream” in German, short for Rebecca.
  11. Bex – an edgy English pick short for Rebecca, meaning “captivating.”
  12. Birdie – of English descent, referring to a bird; often associated with Lady Bird Johnson.
  13. Blake – a nonbinary option of English origin meaning “dark” or “fair.”
  14. Bobbie – of English origin, short for Roberta (bright fame) or Barbara.
  15. Bucky – an American pick meaning “little buck,” often a spirited nickname.
  16. Cat – short for Catherine, a Greek title meaning “pure,” the perfect name for your angel.
  17. Chels – of British origin, short for Chelsea, meaning “chalk landing place.”
  18. Cherry – an English option referring to the fruit, symbolizing sweetness.
  19. Cilla – of Latin origin, short for Priscilla, meaning “ancient.”
  20. Coco – a French pick popularized by designer Coco Chanel.
  21. Daze – short for Daisy, pointing to the flower symbolizing joy.
  22. Dee – a Welsh option meaning “dark” or “swarthy,” short for Deanna.
  23. Dixie – a Latin pick meaning “tenth,” or referring to the American South.
  24. Dolly – of English origin, originally a nickname for Dorothy, meaning “gift of God.”
  25. Etta – an English pick, short for Henrietta, meaning “ruler of the home.”
  26. Evie – of Hebrew origin, associated with Eve, meaning “life.”
  27. Fifi – short for Josephine, a French and Hebrew title meaning “God will increase.”
  28. Finn – a moniker for Finley, a unisex option meaning “fair warrior.”
  29. Flo – rooted in Latin, short for Florence (blooming) or Flora (flower).
  30. Flossie – a vintage variant of Florence, meaning “flourishing.”
  31. Frankie – a spunky pick for Francesca, meaning “free one.”
  32. Georgie – a moniker for Georgina, meaning “farmer” or “earth worker.”
  33. Gigi – of French origin, originally a nickname for Georgette or Gilberte.
  34. Ging – short for Ginger, often used for redheads or Virginia.
  35. Goldie – hailing from Britain, meaning “made of gold,” ideal for a blonde baby.
  36. Gus – of Latin origin, short for Augusta, meaning “majestic.”
  37. Hales – an Anglo-Saxon pick short for Haley, meaning “hay clearing.”
  38. Hart – of British origin, short for Hartley, referring to a deer meadow.
  39. Hattie – rooted in German, a vintage variant of Harriet meaning “home-ruler.”
  40. Henny – of Dutch origin, can be short for Henrietta or Hendrika.
  41. Indy – an American option short for Indigo, India, or Independence.
  42. Izzy – a punchy moniker for Isabella, meaning “pledged to God.”
  43. Jax – of English origin, short for Jacqueline, meaning “supplanter.”
  44. Jovie – an American pick meaning “joyful,” from the movie Elf.
  45. Jude – a unique unisex pick, short for Judith, meaning “praised.”
  46. Jules – a French pick short for Julia or Juliette, meaning “youthful.”
  47. Junie – associated with the month of June or the goddess Juno.
  48. Lenny – derived from Leonora, a title connected to Leo, meaning “lion.”
  49. Lex – a staunch Greek pick associated with Alexandra, meaning “defender.”
  50. Lissie – of Hebrew origin, a derivative of Alyssa or Elisabeth.
  51. Liv – of Norse origin, this title means life or protection.
  52. Livvy – a cute short form for Olivia, meaning “olive tree.”
  53. Lola – a spirited Spanish pick short for Dolores, meaning “sorrows.”
  54. Lulu – a shortened variant of Louisa or Luella, meaning “famous warrior.”
  55. Mads – a spunky nickname short for Madison or Madeline.
  56. Mak – short for Mackenzie, meaning “son of the wise leader.”
  57. Mar – of Spanish origin, meaning “sea,” or short for Maria.
  58. Marley – of English origin, meaning “pleasant seaside meadow.”
  59. Millie – a sweet moniker for Millicent, meaning “gentle strength.”
  60. Mimi – a French pet name for Mary or Miriam, meaning “bitter” or “beloved.”
  61. Mitzi – a zesty pet name for Maria, meaning “star of the sea.”
  62. Mo – a diverse nickname connected to Maureen, Morgan, or Monique.
  63. Pippa – a Greek moniker popularized by the royals, meaning “lover of horses.”
  64. Pixie – a playful term referring to a small fairy or sprite.
  65. Rach – a classic Hebrew moniker for Rachel meaning “ewe.”
  66. Ria – short for Maria or Victoria, can also mean “river” in Spanish.
  67. Ro – a short form for Rowan, Rose, or Rochelle.
  68. Romy – short for Rosemary or Romola, of Latin origin.
  69. Ronnie – a unisex pick connected to Veronica, meaning “true image.”
  70. Rory – of Irish descent, meaning “red king,” or short for Lorelei/Aurora.
  71. Roxy – of Persian origin, short for Roxanne, meaning “dawn” or “bright star.”
  72. Rue – a French pick referring to a medicinal herb; also means “regret.”
  73. Scout – a literary pet name meaning “to listen,” from To Kill a Mockingbird.
  74. Skye – of Scottish origin, referring to the Isle of Skye.
  75. Sonny – short for names ending in “son” like Addison or Emerson.
  76. Sully – of Irish origin, meaning “dark-eyed,” or short for Sullivan.
  77. Tallie – a Hebrew option meaning “dew from heaven,” short for Talia.
  78. Tate – a gender-neutral British pick meaning “cheerful,” short for Tatum.
  79. Tavi – of Latin origin, a short form of Octavia, meaning “eighth.”
  80. Tay – a short form for Taylor, meaning “tailor.”
  81. Teddy – of Greek origin, meaning “gift of God,” short for Theodora.
  82. Thea – means “goddess” in Greek, often short for Dorothea.
  83. Trixie – roots in Latin, short for Beatrix, meaning “voyager” or “blessed.”
  84. Tully – an Irish moniker meaning “flood” or “peaceful.”
  85. Vee – a classic nickname for any “V” name like Vanessa or Veronica.
  86. Vi – short for Violet, symbolizing modesty and faithfulness.
  87. Via – a variant of Octavia or Olivia, meaning “way” in Latin.
  88. Wave – an ultra-rare nature moniker referring to the ocean.
  89. Zee – a cool nickname for any “Z” forename like Zara or Zoe.
  90. Zo – short for Zoe, a Greek title meaning “life.”

90 Classic Nicknames for Girls

Trends come and go, but these timeless nicknames never go out of style.

  1. Abby – of Hebrew origin, short for Abigail, meaning “my father is joy.”
  2. Adel – a variant of Adele or Adeline, meaning “noble.”
  3. Alice – of German origin, meaning “noble,” famously from Alice in Wonderland.
  4. Amy – derived from Old French Amée, meaning “beloved.”
  5. Andie – stems from Andrea, meaning “courageous” or “strong.”
  6. Ann – a virtuous Hebrew moniker meaning “grace,” short for Anna.
  7. Annie – of Hebrew origin, a playful alternative to Ann, meaning “gracious.”
  8. Becky – an abbreviation of Rebecca, a Hebrew pick meaning “to tie” or “bind.”
  9. Bertie – a German pick meaning “bright,” short for Roberta or Bertha.
  10. Betsy – a cheerful nickname for Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.”
  11. Betty – a classic retro nickname for Elizabeth, meaning “oath of God.”
  12. Bev – of English origin, short for Beverly, meaning “beaver stream.”
  13. Billie – a tomboy nickname for Wilhelmina or Willow, meaning “resolute protection.”
  14. Brielle – of French origin, short for Gabrielle, meaning “God is my strength.”
  15. Brynne – a Welsh option meaning “hill,” perfect for a nature lover.
  16. Buffy – a British pet name for Elizabeth, made famous by the vampire slayer.
  17. Cady – a Greek title meaning “pure,” or a variant of Katie.
  18. Carol – short for Caroline, meaning “free man,” also refers to Christmas songs.
  19. Cassie – a moniker for Cassandra, a prophetess in Greek mythology.
  20. Cece – of Latin origin meaning “blind,” short for Cecelia.
  21. Cleo – derived from “kleos,” a Greek word meaning “glory” or “fame.”
  22. Della – means “noble” in German, short for Adela or Delilah.
  23. Dora – a Greek pick short for Theodora, meaning “gift.”
  24. Dottie – a youthful take on Dorothy, meaning “gift of God.”
  25. Drew – of Welsh origin, short for Drury or Andrew, meaning “wise.”
  26. Dusty – an American nickname often given for hair color, or short for Dustin.
  27. Edie – an English pick short for Edith, meaning “prosperous in war.”
  28. Effie – a Greek title meaning “well-spoken,” short for Euphemia.
  29. Eliza – short for Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
  30. Emma – of German origin, meaning “universal,” formerly a nickname for Ermintrude.
  31. Fawn – an English pet name referring to a young deer.
  32. Flora – the Latin word for “flower,” the Roman goddess of spring.
  33. Frannie – a Latin title meaning “from France” or “free one.”
  34. Gwen – of Welsh descent, meaning “white circle” or “holy.”
  35. Jackie – short for Jacqueline, meaning “supplanter” or “may God protect.”
  36. Jamie – a moniker for James or Jemima, meaning “supplanter.”
  37. Janie – short for Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”
  38. Jen – of Welsh origin, short for Jennifer, meaning “white shadow.”
  39. Jenny – a medieval diminutive of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”
  40. Jess – derived from the Hebrew title Jessica, meaning “sight” or “wealthy.”
  41. Jill – short for Jillian, meaning “youthful child of the gods.”
  42. Jo – an American pick short for Josephine or Joanna, meaning “God is gracious.”
  43. Jojo – a playful moniker for Josephine, Joanna, or Jolene.
  44. Judy – derived from Judith, meaning “woman of Judea” or “praised.”
  45. Katie – an English and Greek option short for Katherine, meaning “pure.”
  46. Kiki – a French bohemian nickname, often for names beginning with K.
  47. Kit – a spirited nickname for Katherine (pure) or Christopher (bearing Christ).
  48. Kitty – short for Catherine, meaning “pure,” also a playful cat reference.
  49. Kris – traditionally a moniker for Kristen or Kristina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
  50. Lexy – a sassy nickname for Alexandra, meaning “defender of men.”
  51. Libby – derived from Elizabeth, a Hebrew title meaning “pledged to God.”
  52. Lila – of Arabic origin meaning “night,” or short for Delilah.
  53. Lily – a flower name symbolizing purity; also short for Lillian.
  54. Lottie – a vintage variant of Charlotte, meaning “free man.”
  55. Maddy – short for Madeline or Madison, meaning “woman from Magdala.”
  56. Mae – short for Margaret or Mary, or referring to the month of May.
  57. Maggie – the friendly English short form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
  58. Mamie – a vintage American nickname for Mary or Margaret.
  59. Margo – a French variant of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
  60. Max – short for Maxine, meaning “greatest.”
  61. Mia – of Italian and Scandinavian origin, meaning “mine” or “bitter.”
  62. Miley – originally “Smiley,” a nickname for pop star Miley Cyrus.
  63. Minnie – derived from the Roman name Minerva or Wilhelmina.
  64. Molly – a popular English diminutive of Mary, meaning “bitter” or “beloved.”
  65. Mona – an Irish title meaning “noble” or “aristocratic.”
  66. Muffy – a preppy nickname, often for Mary or Margaret.
  67. Nellie – a retro nickname for Helen or Eleanor, meaning “bright, shining one.”
  68. Nels – of Scandinavian origin, short for Cornelia or Eleanor.
  69. Nico – a Greek option meaning “people of victory,” short for Nicole.
  70. Pam – short for Pamela, a literary name meaning “all sweetness.”
  71. Patty – short for Patricia, a Latin name meaning “noble.”
  72. Peggy – a traditional English nickname for Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
  73. Queenie – an affectionate term for a female ruler or Regina.
  74. Quinn – hails from Ireland, meaning “descendent of Conn” or “wisdom.”
  75. Ree – short for Marie, Theresa, or any “Ree” ending name.
  76. Rosa – a Latin variation of Rose, meaning “flower.”
  77. Sadie – originally a nickname for Sarah, meaning “princess.”
  78. Sally – a cheerful English option short for Sarah, meaning “princess.”
  79. Sam – derived from Samantha, meaning “told by God.”
  80. Sammy – a tomboyish short form for Samantha.
  81. Sandy – of Greek origin, short for Sandra or Alexandra, meaning “defender.”
  82. Sasha – a Russian diminutive of Alexandra, meaning “defender of men.”
  83. Savvy – hails from America, short for Savannah, or meaning “smart.”
  84. Sue – short for Susan, meaning “lily.”
  85. Tabbie – short for Tabitha, an Aramaic title meaning “gazelle.”
  86. Tessa – of Greek origin, a moniker for Teresa, meaning “to gather.”
  87. Trudy – short for Gertrude, a German title meaning “spear of strength.”
  88. Vicky – short for Victoria, meaning “victory” in Latin.
  89. Willa – of German origin, a feminine form of William, meaning “resolute protection.”
  90. Winnie – short for Winifred or Gwendolyn, meaning “fair friend.”

Nicknames for Girls FAQs

What Is the Cutest Nickname?

Everyone has a different definition of cute, but short and sweet names usually win the prize. Adorable monikers like Bea, Etta, Gigi, and Skye are always crowd-pleasers. Nature-inspired picks like Birdie and Cricket are also rising in popularity for their sweet, earthy vibes.

What Are Badass Girl Nicknames?

If you want something with a bit of grit, look for names with harder consonants. Bex is a fabulous option, bringing that edgy “X factor.” Daze is another cool pick that implies someone stunning or memorable. Tomboyish nicknames like Frankie, Bobbie, and Gus also carry a naturally tough, cool-girl energy.

What Is a Unique Nickname for a Girl?

To help your daughter stand out, look for obscure or vintage options. Muffy is a rare gem that works with almost any name. Short, punchy titles like Ro and Mo are unique but intuitive for many names starting with R or M. You can also look at boho-chic options like Skye, Jude, and Lenny for a rare, artistic feel.

Can I Use a Nickname as a Legal First Name?

Absolutely. Many parents are skipping the long form and putting the nickname straight on the birth certificate. Names like Hattie, Millie, and Charlie are now ranking high as standalone names. If you love the short version, there is no rule saying you need a “formal” name to back it up.

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About the Author

Cate Hoepner

Cate Hoepner is a professional blogger and freelance writer of seven years. Before transitioning into a writing role, she worked in finance and customer service. Cate enjoys DIY projects, old movies, music, and a good cup of coffee. In her free time, you'll find her homeschooling her three kids, crafting her dream homestead, and reading anything she can get her hands on.