Top 100 Names That Can Be Shortened: Name Origins & Meanings

Choosing the perfect baby name is an exciting, yet challenging, job for parents-to-be. One popular trend amongst families around the world is choosing a baby name that can be shortened – either into a shorter version of the full name or a nickname. Both the full names and shortened names will be used throughout your son or daughter’s life, allowing your child to have a full, elegant name for professional settings and a more casual name for everyday use with family members and friends. 

Parents love giving their little ones this flexibility because it allows them to embrace different sides of their personality. Shortened versions of names and nicknames often become terms of endearment or personal identity markers within families and friendships. 

So let’s explore 100 baby names for boys and girls that can easily be shortened, along with their meanings and origins, to help you find the perfect name that offers both charm and versatility!

  • Shortened version: Alex
  • Origin: Italian 
  • Meaning: Defender of mankind

Alexandra is a sophisticated name for girls with Greek origins. It can be shortened to Alex or even Ally. This versatile name means ‘defender of mankind’. 

  • Shortened version: Bella
  • Origin:  Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is my oath

Isabella is a beautiful girl’s name that can be shortened to Bella or Izzy. It has Hebrew origins and means ‘God is my oath’. It’s a very popular name in the US in modern times.

  • Shortened version: Charlie
  • Origin: French 
  • Meaning: Free woman

Charlotte is a classic name for girls that can be shortened – often to Charlie. It means ‘free woman’ – a wonderful meaning to pass on to a little girl – and has French origins. 

a toddler girl wearing a floral headband surrounded by flowers
  • Shortened version: Sam
  • Origin: Aramaic 
  • Meaning: Listener

Samantha can be shortened to Sam or Sammy and means ‘listener’. It has Aramaic origins – a language that originated in Syria.

  • Shortened version: Maggie
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Pearl

Margaret is a vintage name for little girls that is often shortened to Maggie, or even Margot. This beautiful name has Greek origins and means ‘pearl’ – a precious meaning to pass on to a new little girl.

  • Shortened version: Kate
  • Origin: Greek 
  • Meaning: Pure

Katherine is another traditional name for girls that can be shortened – to Kate, Katy or Kat. There are also spelling variations of the full name, including Cathrine and Catherine. The name has Greek roots and means ‘pure’. 

  • Shortened version: Maddie
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Woman from Magdala

Madeline is a name with Hebrew origins that’s often shortened to the super cute ‘Maddie’. This uncommon name means ‘woman from Magdala’ – an ancient Jewish city.

  • Shortened version: Jen
  • Origin: Welsh
  • Meaning: Fair one

Jennifer is a name that’s historically been very popular in the US, but it’s less popular as a name for new baby girls now. It can be shortened to Jenny or Jen and means ‘fair one’. The name has Welsh origins.

a mother and a daughter hugging by the ocean
  • Shortened version: Becca 
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: To tie or bind

Rebecca can be shortened to Becca, Becky or even Bec. It’s a traditional name for little girls that means ‘to bind’. It has Hebrew origins and will work at all stages of your little girl’s life!

  • Shortened version: Liz 
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is my oath

Another vintage name on this list of girl’s names that can be shortened is Elizabeth. With very royal connections, this traditional name is a beautiful one that’s incredibly versatile. It has Hebrew origins and means ‘God is my oath’.

  • Shortened version: Abby 
  • Origin: Hebrew 
  • Meaning: Father’s joy

Abigail is a fantastic choice for parents looking for girl names that can be shortened. The name is often shortened to Abby or Abbie and has Hebrew origins. It means ‘father’s joy’.

  • Shortened version: Liv  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Olive tree

Olivia is a very popular name for girls in the US. It can be shortened to ‘Liv’ or ‘Olive’ and has Latin origins. The name means ‘olive tree’, so you often find this trendy name on lists of the top nature names.

a little girl dresses as a princes
  • Shortened version: Jess
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Rich, God beholds

Jessica is a Hebrew name that can be shortened to Jess or Jessie. It has Hebrew origins and means ‘rich’.

  • Shortened version: Tori  
  • Origin: Latin 
  • Meaning: Victory

Victoria is another royal name on the list that’s often shortened – to Tori, Vicky or Vic. The name has Latin origins and means ‘victory’, so it’s perfect for powerful and independent little girls!

  • Shortened version: Nat 
  • Origin: Latin 
  • Meaning: Christmas

Natalie is often shortened to Nat and has Latin origins. The name means ‘Christmas’, so it’s a great choice for December babies!

  • Shortened version: Gabby 
  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my strength

Gabriella is a Hebrew name for girls that can be shortened to Gabby or Brie. It means ‘God is my strength, making it a great choice for religious families. 

  • Shortened version: Ellie
  • Origin: Greek 
  • Meaning: Light

Eleanor is a classic name that’s very versatile. It’s often shortened to Ellie and has Green origins. It has a beautiful meaning: ‘light’. 

a little girl in a rose garden
  • Shortened version: Carrie  
  • Origin: French  
  • Meaning: Free woman

Caroline is a variation of the Southern name Carolina and means ‘free woman’. It can be shortened to Carrie or Carol and is quite an unusual name for new babies in the US.

  • Shortened version: Josie  
  • Origin: Hebrew 
  • Meaning: He shall grow

Josephine is a Hebrew name for girls that’s often shortened to Josie or even Jo. It means ‘he shall grow’. 

  • Shortened version: Penny  
  • Origin: Greek 
  • Meaning: Weaver

Penelope is a Greek name that can be shortened to Penny. It’s quite an uncommon name for girls in the US in modern times and it means ‘weaver’. 

  • Shortened version: Jackie
  • Origin: French 
  • Meaning: Supplanter

Jacqueline is a super versatile name for girls. It can be shortened to Jackie or Jac and has French origins. This European name means ‘supplanter’.

  • Shortened version: Amy  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Work

Amelia has Latin origins and is another girl’s name that can be shortened, in more than one way! Amelia can be shortened to Amy or Lia and means ‘work’.

  • Shortened version: Sophie  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Wisdom

Sophia is a sophisticated name that can be shortened to Sophie or even Soph! It has Greek roots and a wonderful meaning to pass on to a baby girl – ‘wisdom’. 

Names Inspired by Birds
  • Shortened version: Cassie  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Prophetess

Cassandra is an uncommon name in the US for brand new baby girls. It can be shortened to Cassie or Cass and means ‘prophetess’. The name has Greek roots.

  • Shortened version: Maddy
  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Son of Matthew

Madison is a name with German roots that means ‘son of Matthew’. It’s often shortened to Maddy and was a super popular name for girls in the US in the 90s and 2000s!

  • Shortened version: Chris  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Follower of Christ

Christina is often shortened to Chrissy, Chris or even Tina! It has Greek origins and means ‘Christ’s follower’. 

  • Shortened version: Val  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Strong, healthy

Valentina is a loving name that means ‘strong’ and ‘healthy’. It has Latin origins and can be shortened to Val or Tina. It’s a pretty uncommon name in the US for little girls. 

  •  Shortened version: Lucy  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Light

Lucinda is a Latin name that can be shortened to Lucy. It means ‘light’. 

a girl running with her long loose hair
  • Shortened version: Roni  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: She who brings victory

Veronica is an elegant girl’s name that can be shortened to Roni. It has Greek roots and means ‘she who brings victory’ – perfect for competitive families!

  • Shortened version: Bella  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Yielding to prayer

Arabella is a beautiful name for girls that can be shortened to Bella or Belle. It has Latin origins and means ‘yielding to prayer’.

  • Shortened version: Gen  
  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Woman

Genevieve is a sophisticated name with French origins. It can be shortened to Gen or even Jenny! The name means ‘woman’ and the full name is pronounced ‘JEN-AH-VEEVE’.

  •  Shortened version: Dani  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is my judge

Danielle is often shortened to Dani or even Elle! It means ‘God is my judge’ and has Hebrew origins.

  • Shortened version: Julie  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Youthful

Juliette – or Juliet as a spelling variation – is an elegant name for little girls that means ‘youthful’. It has Latin origins and can be shortened to Julie or even Ettie. 

  • Shortened version: Trish  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Noble

Patricia is a traditional name for girls that can be shortened to Trish or Pat. It’s a rare name now in the US and has Latin origins. It has a very royal meaning: ‘noble’!

a beautiful girl with flowers
  • Shortened version: Suzy  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Lily

Susannah is a Hebrew name that means ‘lily’. It can be shortened to Suzy.

  • Shortened version: Viv  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Full of life

Vivian is often shortened to ‘Viv’ and has a wonderful meaning: ‘full of life’! The name has Latin origins. 

  • Shortened version: Gwen  
  • Origin: Welsh  
  • Meaning: Blessed ring

Gwendolyn is a very rare name in the US. It’s often shortened to Gwen – think Gwen Stefani – and has Welsh origins. It means ‘blessed ring’. 

  • Shortened version: Em  
  • Origin: French  
  • Meaning: Work, industrious

Emmeline is a French name that means ‘industrious’. It can be shortened to Em or Emmy and the full name is pronounced ‘EM-AH-LEEN’. 

  • Shortened version: Mel  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Honeybee

Melissa is often shortened to Mel and means ‘honeybee’. It has Greek origins. 

  • Shortened version: Lexi  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Defender of the people

Alexis is a variation of Alexandra and can be shortened to Alex or Lexi. It has Greek origins and means ‘defender of the people’. 

  • Shortened version: Di  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Divine

Diana has a beautiful meaning – ‘divine’ – and has royal connections. It has Latin roots and can be shortened to Di or Anna. 

  • Shortened version: Anna  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Gracious, beautiful

Annabelle is a Latin name that can be shortened to Anna or Belle’. It means ‘gracious’ and ‘beautiful’.

  • Shortened version: Bee
  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Brave

Bernadette is a French name that means ‘brave’. It’s often shortened to the super cute Bee!

  • Shortened version: Frankie  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: From France

Francesca means ‘from France’ and can be shortened to Frankie or Fran. This elegant name has Latin origins. 

  • Shortened version: Tabby  
  • Origin: Aramaic  
  • Meaning: Gazelle

Tabitha is a classic name for girls that can be shortened to Tabby. It has Aramaic origins and means ‘gazelle’. 

  • Shortened version: Rose  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Rose flower

Rosalie means ‘rose flower’, making it a wonderful choice for parents looking for a nature name for their little girl. It can be shortened to Rose.

  • Shortened version: Lena  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Bright, shining light

Helena has Greek origins and means ‘bright’ or ‘shining light’. It can be shortened to Helen or Lena.  

  • Shortened version: Mira  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Admirable, wonderful

Miranda has Latin origins and is often shortened to Mira. It means ‘admirable’ and ‘wonderful’. 

  • Shortened version: Thea
  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Gift of God

Theodora is an uncommon name for girls that means ‘gift of God’. It has Greek origins and can be shortened to Thea.

  • Shortened version: Tilly
  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Battle strength

Matilda is a literary name that means ‘battle strength’. It has German origins and can be shortened to Tilly. 

The top 50 boy names that can be shortened

51. Alexander  

  • Shortened version: Alex  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Defender of mankind

Like Alexandra, Alexander can be shortened to Alex. It has Greek roots and has a strong meaning: ‘defender of mankind’. 

52. Nicholas  

  • Shortened version: Nick  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Victory of the people

Nicholas is a versatile name for boys that means ‘victory of the people’. It can be shortened to Nick and has Greek origins.

53. Benjamin 

  • Shortened version: Ben  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Son of the South

Benjamin is another super versatile name for boys that will work at all stages of your little one’s life. It can be shortened to Ben or Benny and means ‘Son of the South’. This popular name has Hebrew origins.

54. William  

  • Shortened version: Will  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Resolute protector

William is an old money boy’s name that will stand the test of time. It’s often shortened to Will and has Germanic roots. This traditional boy name means ‘resolute protector’.  

55. Jonathan  

  • Shortened version: Jon  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Gift of God

Jonathan is often shortened to Jon or Jonny. It has Hebrew roots and means ‘gift of God’. 

56. Christopher  

  • Shortened version: Chris  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Christ-bearer

Christopher is a super versatile name that’s usually shortened to Chris. It has Greek origins and means ‘Christ-bearer’. 

57. Samuel  

  • Shortened version: Sam  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God has heard

Samuel can be shortened to Sam or Sammy. It’s another Hebrew name on this list of boys’ names that can be shortened and means ‘God has heard’, making it a great choice for religious families. 

58. Zachary  

  • Shortened version: Zack  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: The Lord has remembered

Zachary can be shortened to Zac, Zach or Zack, depending on spelling preferences, and means ‘the Lord has remembered’. The name has Hebrew roots.

a laughing boy riding a bike

59. Matthew  

  • Shortened version: Matt  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Gift of God

Matthew is a traditional boy’s name with Hebrew origins. It can be shortened to Matty or Matt and means ‘gift of God’. 

60. Frederick  

  • Shortened version: Fred  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Peaceful ruler

Frederick is an unusual name for baby boys. It can be shortened to Fred or Freddy and means ‘peaceful ruler’. It’s a Germanic name that symbolizes both love and strength

61. Daniel 

  • Shortened version: Dan  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is my judge

Daniel is often shortened to Dan or Danny. It’s a Hebrew name and means ‘God is my judge’. 

62. Andrew  

  •  Shortened version: Andy  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Manly, brave

Andrew is a Greek name that means both ‘manly’ and ‘brave’. It’s often shortened to Andy. 

a boy with a dog lying on grass

63. Theodore  

  • Shortened version: Theo  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Gift of God

Theodore is another Greek name that can be shortened – normally to Theo. The name has Greek origins and means ‘gift of God’. 

64. Maxwell  

  • Shortened version: Max  
  • Origin: Scottish  
  • Meaning: Great stream

Maxwell is a Scottish name for boys that’s often shortened to Max. It means ‘great stream’, which makes it a great nature-inspired name too! The full version of the name – Maxwell – is pretty uncommon in the US.

65. Joseph  

  • Shortened version: Joe  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God will add

Joseph is a traditional name for boys that means ‘God will add’. It has Hebrew origins and is normally shortened to Jo or Joey. 

66. Sebastian  

  • Shortened version: Seb  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Revered, venerable

Sebastian is a super versatile boy’s name that means ‘revered’. It’s usually shortened to Seb and has Greek origins. 

67. Anthony 

  • Shortened version: Tony  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Priceless one

Anthony is often shortened to Tony or Anton. It has Latin roots and means ‘priceless one’ – a lovely meaning to pass on to a little baby boy!

68. Robert  

  • Shortened version: Rob  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Fame

Robert means ‘fame’ and has Germanic roots. It’s usually shortened to Rob or Robbie. 

a toddler playing with sand

69. Joshua  

  • Shortened version: Josh  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is salvation

Joshua is usually shortened to Josh and has Hebrew roots. It means ‘God is my salvation’. 

70. Jackson  

  • Shortened version: Jack  
  • Origin: English  
  • Meaning: Son of Jack

Jackson is an English name that means ‘son of Jack’. Unsurprisingly, the name can be shortened to Jack – a popular name in the US!

71. Dominic  

  • Shortened version: Dom  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Belonging to the Lord

Dominic has Latin roots and means ‘belonging to the Lord’. It can be shortened to Dom. 

72. David  

  • Shortened version: Dave  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Beloved

David is usually shortened to Dave and has a wonderful meaning: ‘beloved’. It has Hebrew origins. 

73. Charles 

  • Shortened version: Charlie  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Free man

Charles has royal connections and Germanic roots. It means ‘free man’ and the nickname version of Charles is usually Charlie.

74. Michael 

  • Shortened version: Mike  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Who is like God?

Michael is usually shortened to Mike or Mikey and has Hebrew origins. It means ‘who is like God?’.

75. Richard  

  • Shortened version: Rick  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Courageous ruler

Richard is a versatile name for boys that’s usually shortened to Rick or Rich. It has Germanic origins and means ‘courageous ruler’. 

76. Timothy  

  • Shortened version: Tim  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Honoring God

Timothy is usually shortened to Tim or Timmy and has Greek roots. It means ‘honoring God’. 

77. Vincent  

  • Shortened version: Vince  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Conquering

Vincent has Latin origins and means ‘conquering’. It’s usually shortened to Vince and is a pretty uncommon name for baby boys in the US in modern times.

78. Gabriel  

  • Shortened version: Gabe  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is my strength

Gabriel means ‘God is my strength’ and has Hebrew origins. It can be shortened to Gabe.

79. Thomas  

  • Shortened version: Tom  
  • Origin: Latin 
  • Meaning: Twin

Thomas is a Latin name that means ‘twin’. It’s often shortened to Tom or Tommy. 

80. Isaac  

  • Shortened version: Ike  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: Laughter

Isaac is usually shortened to Ike and has Hebrew roots. It has a wonderful meaning: ‘laughter’!

81. Patrick 

  • Shortened version: Pat  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Nobleman

Patrick is a Latin name that means ‘nobleman’. It’s also a classic Irish name for boys, and it’s often shortened to Pat or Paddy. 

82. Franklin  

  • Shortened version: Frank  
  • Origin: English  
  • Meaning: Free man

Franklin has English origins and means ‘free man’. It can be shortened to Frank or Frankie. 

83. Stephen  

  • Shortened version: Steve  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Crown

Stephen or Steven is a Greek name that has a royal meaning: ‘crown’! It can be shortened to Steve. 

84. Gregory  

  • Shortened version: Greg  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Watchful, vigilant

Gregory was once a popular name for baby boys in the US, but it’s much more uncommon in modern times.  It can be shortened to Greg and has Greek origins. It means ‘watchful’ and ‘vigilant’. 

85. Lawrence  

  • Shortened version: Larry  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: From Laurentum (a place of laurel trees)

Lawrence is a Latin name that means ‘from laurentum’. It’s usually shortened to Larry. 

86. Nicholson  

  • Shortened version: Nicky  
  • Origin: Greek  
  • Meaning: Son of Nicholas

Nicholson is an uncommon name in the US for baby boys. It has Greek origins and can be shortened to either Nicky or Nick. It means ‘Son of Nicholas’. 

87. Augustus  

  • Shortened version: Gus  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Exalted, venerable

Augustus is a very rare name for little boys in the US. It can be shortened to Gus and has Latin origins. The name means ‘exalted’.

88. Remington 

  • Shortened version: Remmy  
  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Boundary stream settlement

Remington is a traditional English name that means ‘boundary stream settlement’. It can be shortened to Remmy and is a very uncommon name for little boys in the US!

89. Russell  

  • Shortened version: Russ  
  • Origin: French  
  • Meaning: Red-haired, fox-colored

Russell has French origins and means ‘red-haired’. It can be shortened to Russ. 

90. Jeremiah  

  • Shortened version: Jerry  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: The Lord exalts

Jeremiah is a Hebrew name for boys that can be shortened to Jerry. It means ‘The Lord exalts’. 

91. Leonardo  

  • Shortened version: Leo  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Brave lion

Leonardo is a celeb-inspired name for boys. It can be shortened to Leo and means ‘brave lion’. The name has German origins.

92. Bartholomew  

  • Shortened version: Bart  
  • Origin: Aramaic  
  • Meaning: Son of Talmai (the farmer)

Bartholomew can be shortened to Bart or Barty and has Aramaic origins. It means ‘Son of Talmai (the farmer)’.

93. Elliott  

  • Shortened version: Eli  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: The Lord is my God

Elliott is a Hebrew name that means ‘Lord is my God’. It’s often shortened to Eli. 

94. Alfred  

  • Shortened version: Alfie  
  • Origin: Old English  
  • Meaning: Wise counselor

Alfred is a vintage name for boys that means ‘wise counselor’. It has Old English origins and can be shortened to Alfie.

95. Harrison  

  • Shortened version: Harry  
  • Origin: English  
  • Meaning: Son of Harry

Harrison is an English name that means ‘Son of Harry’. It’s often shortened to Harry. 

96. Raymond  

  • Shortened version: Ray  
  • Origin: Germanic  
  • Meaning: Wise protector

Raymond is a Germanic name that means ‘wise protector’. It can be shortened to Ray and is a pretty uncommon name for new baby boys in modern times. 

97. Edmund  

  • Shortened version: Eddie  
  • Origin: Old English  
  • Meaning: Wealthy protector

Edmund is another uncommon name for boys in the US. It has Old English origins and means ‘wealthy protector’. It’s usually shortened to Eddie or Ed.

boy standing in tall grass

98. Jefferson  

  • Shortened version: Jeff  
  • Origin: English  
  • Meaning: Son of Jeffrey

Jefferson is a classic name for boys that’s usually shortened to Jeff. It has English roots and means ‘Son of Jeffrey’.

99. Emmanuel  

  • Shortened version: Manny  
  • Origin: Hebrew  
  • Meaning: God is with us

Emmanuel is a very versatile baby boy name that can be shortened to Manny. It has Hebrew origins and means ‘God is with us’.

100. Quentin  

  • Shortened version: Quinn  
  • Origin: Latin  
  • Meaning: Fifth

Quentin is a vintage name for boys that’s very uncommon in the US. It has Latin roots and is often shortened to the more modern Quinn. It’s a great name for little boys if you want a touch of tradition with a modern twist!

Conclusion

Choosing a baby name that can be shortened gives your little one flexibility and the chance to choose a variation of their name that they love. Having a name that can be transformed from a longer and more formal version into a meaningful nickname will let your child express different sides of their identity. 

These shortened versions of longer names often become terms of endearment among family and friends, helping to build lifelong connections. 

With this list of 100 baby names that can be shortened, along with their meanings and origins, we hope you’ve found inspiration for the perfect baby boy or baby girl name. Each choice offers elegance, charm, and versatility for the newest member of your family.

And if you’re still looking for inspiration, don’t miss our roundup of the most beautiful names that mean ‘growth’, vintage baby names and the best nature-inspired baby names.

From our families to yours.

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