Naming a girl can be a tough choice. And sometimes, you or your daughter may not like her name as much as you thought or hoped. Fortunately, girls can use nicknames with family, friends, and other people they meet.
Nicknames for girls work similarly to those for boys, and they can do different things. Some nicknames are short versions of the girl’s name. Other nicknames may have nothing to do with the girl’s name and are more about her relationship with someone.
Whether you’re a girl looking for your own nickname, or you want to find a nickname for a girl you know, you have many options. A good nickname can add personality and flair to a girl’s life.
Keep reading to learn more about some common nicknames for girls.
Common Nicknames for Girls
Some girls’ names are long, and you may not want to say or spell the whole thing. Other common nicknames can better fit a girl’s personality than her given name. Whatever the reason, consider a few common nicknames that come directly from a girl’s name.
Victoria can shorten to Tori, Toria, Vic, Vicki, Vee, and other nicknames. The name Veronica also has a few nicknames, including Vera, Roni, and Nicki. If a girl has a more traditional name, like Patricia, she can go by Pat, Patty, Trish, Tricia, or any other spelling variations.
Michelle lends itself to a few different nicknames, like Shelly, Chelle, Micky, and Elle. Margaret has a few obvious nicknames, like Mag or Maggie. But Margaret can also go by Peggy or Meg. Girls with the name Katherine can have nicknames like Kate, Kathy, Kat, or Katie.
Jennifer can go by Jen, Jenny, or Jenna. Common nicknames for the name Isabella include Izzy, Belle, Bella, and Ella. Gabrielle lends itself to nicknames like Gaby, Gab, and even Bree, which is also a nickname for Sabrina.
The name Elizabeth has plenty of options for nicknames. A few common ones are Liz or Lizzie, Beth, and Betsy. Christine and Christina also have multiple choices, such as Christi, Christ, and Chrissy. Charlotte can go by Char, Charlie, or Lottie.
Nicknames for girls with the name Angelina include Annie, Angie, and Lina. Amelia can go by Amy, Mia, Lia, and Millie. Alexandra can go by Alex, Lexi, Allie, and a whole lot more. Other girls’ names also lend themselves to nicknames, such as Missy for Melissa or Kate for Katelyn.
Why Do Some People Use Nicknames for Some Girl Names?
Some girl names are short and sweet, and they don’t need nicknames. But if a girl’s name is long, hard to spell or say, you may want to use a nickname. Some nicknames don’t even require a girl to have a hard name; it may just come down to preference.
Consider a few reasons why you may want to use a nickname for a girl. Some reasons are more universal, but they’re all legitimate reasons why a girl may want a nickname for herself or why others may give her a nickname.
Shorter
Of course, long names, like Alexandra and Elizabeth, can be hard for young girls. As a girl gets older, longer names can feel more annoying or unnecessary when with friends. A girl may choose to use her full first name at school or work, but her friends and family may shorten her name.
A short name can also work well if a girl or woman works with children. Since other children may have trouble with long names, using a shorter nickname can help.
Shortening a girl’s name can also make for a cute or cool nickname. Many girls’ names have multiple options for nicknames so that you can choose a nickname for the right situation.
Easier to Pronounce or Spell
If you find people struggle to say or spell a girl’s name, she may want to use a nickname. An example of this is the name Alexandria, which you might mistake for Alexandra. Someone with this name may want to go by Alex or Lexi to avoid spelling or pronunciation problems.
And oddly enough, some people may struggle to differentiate between names like Kate and Katie. In that case, a girl may want to go by the accidental nickname to keep things easier.
Similarly, some names have multiple spellings. Katelyn, Katelin, Kaitlyn, and Kaitlin all represent the same name. So a girl with this name may simply want to go by the name Kate.
While it can be annoying to have to go by a different name, some people may choose to. That way, they don’t always have to spell out their name or explain how to pronounce it.
Preference
Sometimes, parents can do all of the research and comparison in the world. But their daughter may not like her given name. That can be a great reason to go by a nickname with friends and family and in the academic and professional worlds.
A girl can choose her nickname, so she knows she’ll like it. While that can be hard for a parent, it’s important for a girl to like the name she uses in life. If a girl really doesn’t like her name, consider letting her choose a nickname.
It could be as easy as using her middle name or a variation on her first name. Or it could involve choosing an entirely new name. Give the girl time to explore a few names to use. That way, she can use a name she really loves.
Relationship
Speaking of daughters, parents may want to use a special nickname for their girl. The nickname may have to do with something the girl did when she was young. An example of that would be the nickname “Smiley.”
As a girl gets older and has a romantic relationship, her significant other may want to use a unique nickname, like “Cutie” or “Sweetie.”
And girls can have nicknames that their friends use. These nicknames may not have as much meaning as from a parent or partner. But they can still be fun and play an important role in those relationships.
Famous Girls With a Nickname
Some famous girls have a nickname, and you may not know it. In some cases, the name is the girl or woman’s stage name. The girl may have a long or hard to spell name.
Celebrities use nicknames for the same reasons as other people. They may not like their full first name, or their nickname may have a special meaning for a relationship. Here are a few famous women and girls who use nicknames.
- Fergie: Fergie is a nickname and stage name for the singer named Stacey Ferguson. She was part of the Black Eyed Peas and has also worked as a solo artist.
- JLo: Of course, there’s JLo, short for Jennifer Lopez. She’s also gone by Jenny from the Block, so she’s used both traditional and more creative nicknames.
- Xtina: Christina Aguilera had an easy nickname option thanks to the “Chris” part of her name. She swapped it out with an X to represent a cross, so it’s both creative and makes a lot of sense.
- Nina Dobrev: Being from Bulgaria, Nina Dobrev’s full name is Nikolina Dobreva. After she moved to North America, she probably wanted something easier. Her birth name can be hard for Americans to spell and pronounce, and Nina is a cute yet professional nickname for the actress.
- Kat Dennings: The actress, Kat Dennings’ name, is just a nickname. Her first name is Katherine, so Kat is a pretty logical short name to use. But she also changed her last name from Litwack, which can be hard to say and spell.
- Lucy Hale: Did you know that Lucy Hale’s birth name is Karen Lucille Hale? Both Karen and Lucille sound a bit older and more traditional. So shortening her name to Lucy could have been a way for Hale to start her acting career.
- Emma Stone: Emma Stone shortened her name from Emily for a few reasons. First, she loves Emma Bunton, or Baby Spice, from the Spice Girls. Stone also has said that she wanted to stand out from another actress named Emily Stone.
- Nicki Minaj: Another woman who changed her name is Nicki Minaj. She switched her name in hopes that it would be a better fit for stardom. It may also be easier for her fans since her birth name is Onika Tanya Maraj, but she has referenced her birth name in her song Starships.
- Katy Perry: Katy Perry was born Katheryn Hudson, and she changed her name to be a nickname. Katy is definitely a better fit for her personality. She also changed her last name to avoid comparisons with Kate Hudson.
- Tina Fey: Born Elizabeth Stamatina Fey, she took her middle name and shortened it to get the name, Tina. Fey decided to change her name when she was in high school, and she has kept the name throughout her career.
- Dove Cameron: Dove Cameron’s real name is Chloe Hoffman, but she goes by Dove, which her late father used to call her. The nickname is a way for Cameron to remember her father, and she even changed her name legally.
- Demi Moore: With a name like Demetria Guynes, it’s not too surprising that Demi Moore would go by a nickname. Demi is a sweet, short version of her first name, so it’s easy to spell, though not as easy to pronounce. She also changed her last name to that of her husband, thus Demi Moore.
- Bella Hadid: Bella Hadid’s first name is actually Isabella. While Isabella isn’t too difficult of a name, Bella flows very easily and sounds just as glamorous. It’s a great nickname for anyone with the name Isabella.
- Gigi Hadid: Bella’s older sister also goes by a nickname. Born Jelena Hadid, Gigi got her nickname after her mom used it while Hadid was growing up. The name stuck, and she goes by the name in her personal and professional lives.
- Other Celebrities: Many other celebrities use nicknames or have completely changed their names. It would be hard to cover all of them in one list. Other notable changes include Lady Gaga (from Stefani Germanotta) and Meghan Markle (from Rachel Meghan Markle).
Nicknames for a Baby Girl
If you have a baby girl, you may want to choose a cute nickname for her. Of course, she will probably grow out of this nickname, so it doesn’t have to be perfect. But you may choose to call her by that name as she grows up.
Consider a few ideas for categories for a baby girl’s nickname and some ideas for nicknames themselves.
- Adjectives. One way to choose a nickname is to focus on an adjective, like the word adorable or sweet. You could make one of those words your baby girl’s nickname, or you can alter them. So you could also use a nickname like “Adorbs” or “Sweetie.”
- Food. Food can also inspire some cute baby girl nicknames. Consider sweet foods, like candy or desserts. Examples of food nicknames include “Apple Pie,” “Angel Cake,” “Chickpea,” and “Pudding.” You can choose the food you like or one that your girl reminds you of.
- Characters. Well-known characters, like Bo Peep, also make for great nicknames for baby girls. “Piglet” is another cute nickname for a baby girl, inspired by the pig from Winnie the Pooh, which is another great nickname idea. Consider your favorite characters for more ideas.
- Animals. You can also give your daughter a nickname based on an animal, like a chipmunk or a kitten. If you like animals, this can be a great option. You can choose an animal you like or find one that slightly resembles your baby girl.
- Flowers. Flowers also make good nickname ideas. Believe it or not, Daisy is actually a common nickname for Margaret. But you can also use it for girls with other names. You can also use nicknames like Petunia, Rose, or Rosie.
- Activity. If you find your girl laughing or smiling a lot, you can choose a relevant nickname. Options include “Smiley,” “Chuckles,” “Kickin Chicken.” That nickname can help describe your baby girl, and it can be a cute name to call her when she’s young.
- Features. You can also use your girl’s physical features to come up with nickname ideas. Then, you can select a name, like “Chubby Cheeks,” “Hazel Eyes,” or “Sleepy.” Consider what features your girl has and how you can use a cute, unique nickname.
- Cutsie. If none of those categories sound good, you can choose a cute nickname. Think of something that makes you happy, and that can get your girl’s attention once she’s old enough. Then, you can have the perfect nickname for your baby girl.
Nickname Ideas A-M
Here are a few nickname ideas for girls if you want something that starts with A-M:
- Almond Joy
- Angel
- Angel Cake
- Aqua
- Babushka
- Baby Girl
- Babykins
- Bambina
- Birdie
- Bitsy
- Blondie
- Blossom
- Blue Eyes
- Blueberry
- Brown Eyes
- Bud
- Bunny
- Captain Cutie
- Caramel
- Charm
- Charming
- Chickadee
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Chip
- Cinnamon
- Clone
- Coco Puff
- Cookie
- Countess
- Cuddle Bug
- Cuddle Bunny
- Cutie
- Cutie Patootie
- Daffodil
- Dahlia
- Dandelion
- Dearie
- Doodle
- Dory
- Dot
- Dottie
- Dove
- Duchess
- Duckling
- Giggle Machine
- Giggle Monster
- Giggles
- Ginger
- Ginger Spice
- Gingersnap
- Honey
- Honey Bear
- Honeybunch
- Itty Bitty
- Jelly Bean
- Jolly
- Junior Mint
- Kit-Kat
- Lady Baby
- Lifesaver
- Lilac
- Little Girl
- Little Lady
- Little Madam
- Little Stinker
- Marshmallow
- Martini
- Mini-Me
- Miss Priss
- Missy
- Moonflower
- Muffin
- Munchkin
These names are all pretty cute and vary from flowers to foods to sweet phrases. Your girl’s name doesn’t have to start with one of these letters, so they’re very flexible.
Nickname Ideas N-Z
If you don’t like any of the previous name ideas, you can consider nicknames starting with N-Z. Here are just a few ideas:
- Nugget
- Oreo
- Peaches
- Peachy
- Pebbles
- Peep
- Petal
- Petunia
- Piggie
- Piglet
- Pixie
- Plum
- Polka-Dot
- Pony
- Poppy
- Princess
- Pudding
- Pumpkin
- Punkin
- Puppy
- Queen
- Rollie-Pollie
- Rose
- Rosie
- Scooby-Doo
- Sherry
- Sienna
- Sierra
- Smartie
- Smooches
- Smoochy
- Snuggles
- Soda Pop
- Squints
- Squirt
- Squishy
- Squishy Face
- Sunny Delight
- Susie Q
- Sweet Girl
- Sweet Pea
- Sweetie
- Sweetie Pie
- Trouble
- Trouble Maker
- Tulip
- Twix
- Twizzler
- Wiggle Worm
Hopefully, whether you’re looking for something cute or a bit more fun, these ideas will spark some inspiration for you. You don’t have to go with one of these names, so you can come up with your own ideas and find something unique for your baby girl.
Read more: 38 Badass Girl Names
Cute Nicknames for Girls
As girls get older, they can still have cute nicknames, though some names may be more or less appropriate than when they were babies. If a girl starts to outgrow a nickname, that’s totally fine. She can choose a new one for herself, or you can choose one with her consent.
Consider a few categories of cute nicknames based on the person calling the girl or other things.
Significant Other
If you’re dating, engaged to, or married to a woman, you can call her something special. Nicknames for significant others include “love of my life,” “Babe,” and “my beloved.” You can have nicknames for each other, and that can be something special between you two.
However, other people may not want to use the same nickname as someone who’s dating a girl.
Features
Just like with a baby girl, you can give a girl or woman a nickname based on her features. Names like “Smiley,” “Brown Eyes,” “Blondie,” and “Angel Eyes” all make great nickname ideas. However, make sure you choose a nickname based on a feature the girl likes so that she won’t feel awkward when you use it.
Food
You can also use food to inspire your nickname for a girl, regardless of her age. If she has a favorite food, you can use that for an idea. But like with a girl’s features, make sure she’s okay with the nickname before you start using it. As your girl gets older, you should do what you can to help her feel comfortable.
Other
If your girl has any sort of hobbies or activities, you can also choose nicknames from that. So if a girl likes to dance, you could call her “Ballerina.” Or if she likes to play the piano, you could use a nickname, like “piano girl.”
Cute Nickname Ideas A-M
If none of the given categories resonate, consider a few other ideas. There so many nicknames out there, but here are some that start with the letters A-M:
- Amor
- Bear
- Belle
- Flawless
- Goldie
- Jasmine
- Lovebug
- Lovey Dovey
- Lovie
- Mon Cheri
- My All
- My Beloved
You can think of other cute nicknames for a girl, and you can use them no matter her given name. One of the great things about cute nicknames is that they don’t rely on an existing name. The girls Alexandra and Samantha could have the same cute nickname, and it wouldn’t make a difference.
Cute Nickname Ideas P-T
Some more cute nickname ideas start with P-T. If you want more nickname ideas, you can look through some of these and test them out. As always, make sure the girl likes it before you start calling her that name regularly.
- Peachy Keen
- Perfect 10
- Shorty
- Sparkles
- Sparky
- Sunshine
- Sweetheart
- Sweetie Pie
- Sweetness
- Sweetums
- Tea Cup
- Tweety
- Twinkle
- Twinkly
Cute nicknames are great for close family and friends. But a girl may not want to go by them in public. Still, all of these names are great if you want a unique way to address your daughter, sister, niece, or cousin.
Cool Nicknames for Girls
As a girl gets older, she may outgrow the cute phase and prefer something a bit cooler. Luckily, there are plenty of nickname options out there. Of course, you can use the same categories as for cute names, like food or a girl’s features.
However, you can find some more edgy and confident names to call a girl. Sometimes, switching to a cooler nickname can help a girl feel more sure of herself and less like a young girl.
Cool Nickname Ideas A-M
There are so many cool nickname ideas out there. You can choose a nickname based on a girl’s name or something unrelated. Consider a few nickname ideas starting with A-M, regardless of your girl’s name.
- Ace
- Agent
- Alias
- Alpha
- Black Diamond
- Black Magic
- Black Pearl
- Black Widow
- Blade
- Blaze
- Bombshell
- Buckwild
- Cadillac
- Captain Marvel
- Champ
- Charlie’s Angel
- Claws
- Countess
- Dragonfly
- Duchess
- Dynamo
- Empress
- Energizer
- Fighter
- Firefly
- Fiery
- Flawless
- Heat
- Hela
- Heroine
- Hoops
- Jessica Rabbit
- Katniss
- Lady Luck
- Lightning
- Lioness
- Mayhem
- Mighty
- Mother of Dragons
- Mustang
All of these nicknames can help a girl feel more powerful. They’re great names to use as she goes through the awkward middle school phase. Sometimes, all your girl needs is a bit of assurance, and the right name can help with that.
Cool Nickname Ideas N-Z
If you want some more cool names from the back half of the alphabet, look no further. Regardless of your girl’s birth name, you can use these cool nicknames for girls starting with N-Z:
- Ninja
- Onyx
- Queen
- Radar
- Rebel
- Riot
- Shadow
- Slayer
- Sparrow
- Sphinx
- Spike
- Tailor-Made
- The Evil Queen
- Thunder
- Venus
- Vicious
- Warrior Princess
- Wonder Woman
- Your Highness
- Zelda
The right cool nickname can make a girl sound and feel fantastic. If your girl is good at sports or does martial arts, names like Ninja or Wonder Woman can be awesome. And if you’re girl is just good at school or other things, Venus and Queen make excellent nicknames.
How to Choose a Nickname
Whether you’re a girl trying to choose a nickname or you know a girl who needs one, you should consider how to choose a good nickname. Unlike birth names, nicknames for girls don’t have to be as serious, and they can change over time.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing the best nickname for yourself or a girl in your life.
Consider Your Relationship
If you’re a girl needing a nickname, consider who you want to call you by that name. And if you’re looking for a nickname for someone, consider your relationship with her. Names like “Love Bug” and “love of my life” are great for significant others but not so much for friends or colleagues.
Think about if it’s appropriate to use such a nickname with the other person. You can have different nicknames that certain people use, but make sure both of you are comfortable with that nickname.
Consider Her Age
Names like “Cutie” and “Buttercup” are cute for babies and younger girls. But as a girl reaches her teens and adulthood, they aren’t as appropriate. As she gets older, consider using a nickname based on her name, like Alex for Alexandra.
You could also use one of the many cool nicknames. If her name doesn’t lend itself to a nickname, cool options can be great.
Consider Multiple Nicknames
You may also want to test out a few nicknames, whether you need one or a girl you know does. Then, you can make sure the name is a good fit and flows naturally. And if you aren’t the girl with the nickname, ask for permission before calling her something new.
If you’re the girl with a nickname, don’t be afraid to tell people what you like and don’t like. It’s your name, so you want to like and respond to it.
Read more: 22 Names to Call Your Girlfriend
Final Thoughts
Nicknames for girls can be hard to brainstorm and choose. You can use short versions of a girl’s name or choose something based on her personality or looks. Either way, keep these ideas in mind and get her permission before using any of them.