45 Old-Fashioned Nicknames for Girls That Make Charming First Names

The name Elizabeth has multiple nickname options, including Liz, Beth, Betty, and Lizzie. But one option that used to be much more popular is Betsy. This name, which seems to have peaked in popularity in the early 1900s is due for a comeback!

Lolo is just a name that sparks joy! This name, which is a variation of Lola and a nickname for Charlotte or Delores, is bubbly and fun. The best known Lolo is probably US Olympic sprinter and bobsledder Lolo Jones.

Three-letter names can be a nice counterbalance for a long or hyphenated last name, and Fee is one that is seriously underused. Fee, which has Scottish origins, is short for Fiona or Phoebe and means "light" or "fair."

So chic! The French names Chloe, Charlotte, and Colette are all gorgeous options, but so is their vintage nickname option of Coco. Coco Chanel is the most recognizable use of this name, but it is an appropriate option for a bubbly future fashionista.

The name Peggie, short (somehow) for the name Margaret, is having a comeback, especially for fans of the musical Hamilton. This Greek name, which means "Pearl," has some fun retro vibes and can even have its own nickname in "Peg."

Here's a name that is the cat's meow. Kitty, which has been used as a nickname for names like Katherine and Karen, has a great old-school energy but is still modern and playful. Parents drawn to this name also might want to consider the name Cat.

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Parents needing a name for a blooming baby girl might want to consider Tansy. This English name, which means "tenacious" or "immortality," was popular around the same time as the slightly more common choice of Pansy.

This is the name for parents who love vowels. Ouisa (pronounced oh-ee-sa) is nickname for Louisa and has a super strong meaning: "renowned warrior." This name is an unusual choice but has a sweet sound that pairs well with a last name that starts with a consonant.

There is just something about names that start with a Z or that contain a Z that always seems so effortlessly cool. It can't get much cooler than Zuzu, which used to be a popular nickname for the more traditional choice of Susan. We love how boho it sounds.

Hello, dear one. Caro, which enjoyed popularity as a nickname for the classic name Caroline back in the 1880s, actually means "dear" in Italian. This is a great choice for parents looking for a name that is short and strong.

It is never too busy for this Bizzy bee. Bizzy, a pet name of Beatrice and Elizabeth, is both charmingly old-fashioned but not tied to any specific time period, which according to Wattenberg is the key. "To hit the bullseye, a nickname should be old-fashioned but not bound too tightly to a formal name that's still stuck in the past, like Gertie and Myrtle," she advises.

Elizabeth is an all-time classic in the girl name department. But that is what makes Libby – a nickname for Elizabeth – so fresh! This name is derived from the Hebrew elishiba, meaning "God is my Oath." And since 2007, Libby has been climbing the charts.

Sukey (pronounced SOO-key) is a cute variation of Susanna and Susan. Both names originate from the Hebrew "Shoshanna," meaning a lily or rose. Laura Wattenberg says nicknames like Sukey have "a natural charm" and are "friendly and comfortable from the moment you hear them." Lovely!

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This sweet name is derived from Theresa, meaning "to gather in," "to reap" in Greek. Tessie was a popular name in the early 20th century, peaking at 358 on the most popular baby names of the 1900s. Looks like it's time for a comeback.

A charming throwback name that is perfect for a modern baby, Birdie reached peak popularity in the 1880s. Birdie is known as a sweet nickname for Beatrice, Elizabeth, Bridget, and Bertha. But the title has achieved first-name status, thanks in part to one famous Birdie: Busy Philipps's daughter, Birdie Silverstein. Sprout those wings, little bird!

Some folks may think of this name as the ultimate old lady name, but no worries: This name has more current times written all over it. Flossie, from the name Florence (meaning "blooming"), was the 151st most popular name in the 1890s – hence the strong association with being the name of our elder relatives. But we think it's got a certain "cool girl" charm that makes it truly timeless.

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"If you want [a name that's] friendly plus noticeable, nicknames of past generations are a perfect solution," Wattenberg says. That is why we think Tibby is a perfect choice for a soon-to-be newborn. Derived from Tabitha, meaning "gazelle" in Greek, Tibby is classic name with quirky flair.

This name is such a charming choice. Goldie literally means gold and was traditionally used for babies born blond. Goldie peaked in popularity in the 1890s but it's never ever gone out of style, thanks in large part to the fabulous Goldie Hawn, who was born in 1945.

This name is perfect for a little dove. Dovie is often used as a nickname for the classic and more popular Deborah. It peaked in popularity in 1890, coming in at 288 on the most popular names list. But we think its modern, chic vibe makes it ripe for a comeback.

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Who didn't love the toy Polly Pocket growing up? Polly is actually a variant of Molly, meaning either "sea of sorrow" or "wished for child." It's definitely the latter, right? As far as popularity goes, Polly has risen to the top many times. The name peaked in the 1880s, 1930s, and the 1950s. Next up? Modern times.

Say hey, tiny Letty! A nickname for Letitia, Lettice, or Violetta, Letty is truly one-of-a-kind. The name has never ranked among the most popular US baby names, though that's sure to change soon. Meaning "happiness" or "gladness" in Latin, Letty will keep parents smiling for years.

Winnie, short for Winifred, Winona, Edwina, Gwendolen, and Rowena (so many options!), has become a popular name in its own right, even reaching No. 190 on the most popular baby names in the 1880s – but that doesn't mean it's past its prime. Who can forget the beloved Winnie from The Wonder Years? And The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon named his daughter Winnie in 2013.

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Some parents might know this name from a famous nail polish company. Essie, which is short for Estelle, Estella, and Esther, is more than just the company that makes everyone's favorite nail color, Ballet Slippers. It was also an incredibly popular name in the 1890s, peaking at 139. Sounds stylish.

Billie is a cute unisex name that we think works well for just about anyone. Meaning "resolute protector," Billie is actually short for William. It was also the 107th most popular girl's name in the 1930s. Famous Billies include singer Billie Holiday, tennis star Billie Jean King, and singer Billie Eilish.

Truly a name for the cutest little pickle! Dillie is traditionally a nickname for Delilah, Cordelia, Dahlia, Daffodil, and Odelia. But it also is a great name on its own. In Hebrew, the name Delilah means "delicate," which we think is pretty fitting for this short, spunky moniker.

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Fans of the name Georgia will like this contemporary update to an American classic. Georgie, short for Georgia, Georgina, Georgiana, or Georgette, is just right for a twee little one. Derived from the name George, meaning "earth worker" or "farmer," Georgie peaked in the 1880s at No. 289 in popularity. But we think this cute unisex name is perfect for current times.

Fans of the TV show Scandal are likely to be familiar with this name. On the show, Mellie is short for Melody, but it also can be a variant of Millicent, Carmela, or Melanie. In the 1880s, Mellie reached number 429 on the most popular US baby names list, but it's making a comeback, thanks to its famous namesake.

Truly a great, quirky girl's name, Hattie, short for Harriet or Henrietta, means "homeruler." It ranked high in popularity, making it all the way to number 33 in the 1880s. There are many famous Hatties, including Gone With the Wind actress Hattie McDaniel, Hattie Caraway (the first woman elected to the US Senate), and Hattie McDermott, daughter of Tori Spelling.

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This is a wonderful name for a little dream girl! Effie, short for Euphemia, was the name of one of the titular characters in Dreamgirls and is a character in the popular Hunger Games series. It means "well-spoken," and in the 1880s, Effie was the 62nd most popular girls name. A good name, however, never goes out of style.

Watch out for this one as Trixie is a name with sass to spare! Trixie is a little trickster and is a nickname for Beatrix, Beatrice, and occasionally Patricia. Trixie, meaning "she who brings happiness," also has plenty of vintage appeal.

A name with a little British flair, Lotte is short for Charlotte. Lotte was extremely popular in the 1880s, peaking at number 80 on the most popular US baby names list. It's also made the cut for "Most Popular" lists in England and Wales, making it a crossover hit for precious girls all over the world.

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Etty is usually a nickname for all those classic -etta names, such as Henrietta, Loretta, Annette, and Marietta. As a first name, it's yet to make a splash. But the name has a cute gender-neutral vibe and old-timey charm that make it an attractive choice for modern parents.

Although Tilly is a popular name in England and Wales, the name has never quite caught on in the US. And why not? Even though it's usually a nickname for Matilda, Tilly has a sweet vintage vibe that makes it perfect for a quirky little girl.

Most parents probably recognize Sudie as a first name, but it was actually a popular choice for girls in the 19th century. Sudie is short for Susan, meaning "lily or rose." This might be a good choice for parents who also like the name Sadie.

Vinnie sounds like a nickname for the boys' name Vincent, but that's not the name's only origin. For girls, Vinnie is actually short for Lavinia or Vincenza, and occasionally even Lovina, Lavina, Davina. Although all of those sound like perfectly good choices, there's just something charming about Vinnie that makes it appropriate for a little tomboy on the go.

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Millie, as in Millie Bobby Brown, is another cool vintage name that's making a comeback. The name is often used as a shorter form of Camille, but since the early 2000s it's ranked on the top 1,000 US baby names all on its own.

Minnie – yes, like the famous cartoon mouse – is a pet form of Miryam or Mary. Because the name has such a famous counterpart, it's been popular on and off since the early 1900s. However, it fell off the top 1,000 US baby names in the 2000s. Looks like it's time for a comeback.

The name Hettie, short for Henrietta or Hester, is an unusual name with a real vintage vibe. The name was popular in the 1800s but has since faded from use. Given the rising popularity of Hattie, though, it seems only natural that Hettie would come along for the ride.

Nellie is a pet form of Ellen or Eleanor, but it's a powerhouse name in its own right. The name means "bright" and has been used in some form by everyone from singer Nelly Furtado to American journalist Nellie Bly.

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Willie, short for Wilhelmina, was a popular girls' name until the 1950s, when it promptly dropped off the most popular US baby names list. The name has undeniable hipster flair, however, and it seems ripe for a comeback.

Roxie, from the popular name Roxanne, has taken center stage, literally. Who doesn't know Roxie Hart from the musical Chicago? Surprisingly, the name has dropped in popularity in recent years but it's still perfect for a spunky little girl.

Clemmie, short for Clementine, is one of those classic names that sounds effortlessly cool. It means "gentle" and it's still considered rare in the US. It might be a good alternative to its much more popular long form.

Gillie is a unisex baby name with old-fashioned roots. It's a pet form of the name Gillian, meaning "youthful." It could be pronounced with a hard G or a soft one, depending on parents' preference. We love how charming and whimsical the name truly is and how ultra-feminine it sounds.

Move over, Elsa: It's time for Elsie to have a chance to shine. The name Elsie is a common nickname for Elizabeth, and it's seen a little bump in popularity in recent years, likely due to Frozen's repopularization of Elsa and our collective love of vintage names.

Mammie sounds like a name only a grandmother might have, but that's part of its appeal. It hasn't been rediscovered yet, meaning a little one named Mammie could still be the only one in her class.