PDF download Download Article
Plus, how to pick a nickname that’s as cute as she is
PDF download Download Article

Nicknames are fun to think of and say, especially when you find one that’s the perfect fit for someone. To come up with a cute nickname for your little girl, start by considering shortened versions of her name. If you’d rather pick a nickname suited to her personality, there are cute and cool options for every daughter. Keep reading for a host of ideas to get you started, from riffs on the most popular girl names to funny and vintage pet names she’ll love.

The Best Nicknames for Girls

Baby name expert Tara Collins says many people prefer nicknames that are shortened versions of a given name, like Liv or Ollie for Olivia. If you prefer a standalone nickname, try one of these:

  • Cute nicknames: Pumpkin, Princess, Ducky, Cookie
  • Unique nicknames: Ziggy, Minion, Scout, Pixie
  • Funny nicknames: Tater Tot, Stinker, Bun Bun, Peanut
  • Cool nicknames: Jinx, Rebel, Ember, Thorn
Section 1 of 11:

Nicknames for Popular Girl Names

PDF download Download Article
  1. The U.S. Social Security Administration publishes annual lists of the most popular girl and boy names on Mother’s Day. Their most recent list features the top names from 2023.[1] If your little one has a popular name, try one of these classics as a cute pet name that ties back to their first name.[2]
    • Olivia: Livvy, Olive, Liv, Livia, Via, Ollie
    • Emma: Em, Emmy, Ems, Em
    • Charlotte: Lottie, Charlie, Char, Carly, Lola
    • Amelia: Mel, Amy, Lia, Mia, Millie, Mila, Mimi, Em, Ami
    • Sophia: Soph, Sophie, Phia, Effie, Fifi, Safi
    • Mia: Mimi, Mim, Mimsy, Mia-Pia
    • Isabella: Izzy, Bella, Isa, Belle, Ella, Sabby
    • Ava: Ave, Aves, Avey
    • Evelyn: Evie, Eve, Lyn, Vivi, Evy
    • Luna: Lu, Luni, Lulu, Una, Lala
    • Harper: Harp, Har, Perry, HP
    • Sofia: Sophie, Soph, Fia, Effie, Fifi, Safi
    • Camila: Cami, Mila, Millie, Cam, Cammy
    • Eleanor: Elle, Ellie, Leonor, Leonora, Nella, Nelly, Nora, Ella
    • Elizabeth: Beth, Eliza, Elise, Liza, Bess, Betsy, Libby, Bitty, Betty, Ellie
    • Violet: Vi, Viola, Let, Lettie
    • Scarlett: Scar, Lettie, Red, Lottie, Carly
    • Emily: Em, Emma, Lia, Lee, Ems
    • Hazel: Haze, Hayes, Hazy, Zelly, Zel
    • Lily: Lil, Lila, Lolly
    • Gianna: Gia, Anna, Jean, Gina, Gigi
    • Aurora: Rory, Ro, Arie, Aura, Roro
    • Penelope: Penny, Pen, Nelly, Ellie, Polly
  2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 11:

Unique Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want a nickname that’s not based on a name, choose a one-of-a-kind pet name instead. Look for uncommon nicknames, unique spellings of popular nicknames, or nicknames specific to the interests of the girl you’re giving a nickname.[3]
    • Scout
    • Ziggy
    • Bambi
    • Birdie
    • Otter Pop
    • Lolo
    • Arty
    • Tinkerbell
    • Foxy
    • Zuzu
    • Kit-Kat
    • Little Miss
    • Swaggy
    • Sweetums
    • Minion
    • Taffy
    • Pixie
    • Doodle
    • Mini Me
    • Moo Moo
    • Sissy
    • Dazzle
    • Zinnia
Section 3 of 11:

Cute Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose a nickname based on baby animals, sweets, food, or other cutesy things like sparkles and rainbows. To make it feel more personal, choose a nickname based on your daughter’s favorite animal or food.
    • Ducky
    • Kitty
    • Bunny
    • Coco
    • Posey
    • Cupcake
    • Cookie
    • Candy
    • Cutie Pie
    • Rainbow
    • Bubbles
    • Princess
    • Chicky/Chickadee
    • Loopy
    • Kiki
    • Cub
    • Pumpkin
    • Sparkle
    • Twinkle Toes
    • Apple
    • Booboo
    • Sunshine
    • Babydoll
  2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 11:

Funny Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Funny nicknames for girls are either silly to say or have a funny meaning, perfect for a girl who loves to laugh. Playful nicknames like “Stink Bug” are another option—just be sure she understands it’s meant in a jokey way, not as an insult.[4]
    • Small Fry
    • Peanut
    • Tater tot
    • Bun Bun
    • Chatterbox
    • Giggles
    • Jelly Belly
    • Monkey
    • Baby Bop
    • Bo Peep
    • Pickles
    • Bossy
    • Loosey-goosey
    • Buzzbee
    • Tottle
    • Pookie
    • Tootie
    • Stinker
    • Stink Bug
    • Goofy
    • Foofoo
    • Kooky
    • Silly Billy
Section 5 of 11:

Food-Themed Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Foods have been used as nicknames since Shakespeare’s time. The most common choices are sweets, baked goods, breakfast items, and fruit.[5] If her favorite food is outside this list, consider turning it into a cutesy nickname, too.
    • Muffin
    • Gummy Bear
    • Honey Pie
    • Peaches
    • Honey
    • Pudding
    • Biscuit
    • Blueberry
    • Dumpling
    • Lemon Drop
    • Cheese Ball
    • Shortcake
    • Sugarplum
    • Peanut Butter
    • Baby Cakes
  2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 11:

Nature-Themed Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
Section 7 of 11:

Animal-Themed Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Baby animal names are a popular choice for children’s nicknames of either gender. For a fiercer nickname, choose an animal that embodies the qualities you want your daughter to have, from bravery to athleticism.
    • Robin
    • Wren
    • Swanny
    • Piglet
    • Junebug
    • Honeybee
    • Froggy
    • Kit (A fox cub)
    • Pup
    • Fawn
    • Sharky
    • Little Ant
    • Turkey
    • Roo
    • Skunky
    • Flea
    • Lioness
    • Mouse
    • Guppy
  2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 11:

Cool Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pick a cool nickname that uses a rarer letter like “z” or “x,” or brings to mind epic imagery like flames and wolves. Or, choose a pet name for a girl that’s just the right vibe for her. What’s considered cool is subjective—go with your instinct.
    • Onyx
    • Nova
    • Valkyrie
    • Shadow
    • Rebel
    • Tempest
    • Rogue
    • Jinx
    • Wolfie
    • Sable
    • Harley
    • Jaguar
    • Ivory
    • Zephyr
    • Thorn
    • Solstice
    • Ember
    • Riot
    • Blaze
    • Viper
    • Phoenix
    • Fang
    • Warrior
Section 9 of 11:

Powerful Nicknames for Girls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Think of descriptive terms that suit her personality and potential. For a longer nickname, choose a powerful adjective that starts with the same letter as her name and say them together.
    • Savvy
    • Sassy
    • Boss
    • Chic
    • Queen
    • Dynamo
    • Trendy
    • Fierce
    • Spicy
    • Goddess
    • Empress
    • Smarty
    • Mighty
    • Hurricane
    • Spunky
    • Firecracker
    • Sparky
    • Little Legend
    • Spirit
    • Miss Independent
    • Rockstar
    • Boss Baby
    • Royal
  2. Advertisement
Section 10 of 11:

Nicknames for Classic & Vintage Girl Names

PDF download Download Article
  1. As classic names come back in style, you need nicknames to go with them.[6] Resurrect a forgotten favorite pet name or use a common one that suits popular vintage names. Ask older relatives for inspiration based on nicknames they heard when they were growing up.
    • Beatrice: Bea, Bee, Trixie
    • Cecilia: Cece, Silly, Celia
    • Dorothy: Dot, Dotty, Doe
    • Wilhelmina: Willy, Helen, Mina, Wilma
    • Katherine: Kat, Katty, Rina, Kathy, Katy
    • Cordelia: Cory, Delia, Dell
    • Esther: Este, Tess, E
    • Florence: Flo, Flory, Ren
    • Harriet: Hattie, Harry, Etta
    • Matilda: Mattie, Tilly, Tilda, Hilde
    • Theodora: Teddy, Thea, Dora
    • Louise: Lou, Lulu
    • Josephine: Jo, Josie, Jojo, Phina
    • Bridget: Birdie, Bridge, Etta
    • Loretta: Lorrie, Retty, Retta
    • Mabel: Mae, Mae-Mae, Belle, Belly
    • Patricia: Patty, Tricia, Trish
    • Winslow: Winnie, Lolo, Lola
    • Henrietta: Henny, Henrie, Etta
    • Francesca: Frannie, Fran, Frenchie, Chessy
    • Genevieve: Gen, Eve, Evie, Genna
    • Agnes: Aggie, Nessa, Ness
    • Olive: Ollie, Liv, Livvy, Ol
Section 11 of 11:

How to Choose a Nickname

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Try out different nicknames to find one that feels right. When your little girl is still a baby, you won’t have much insight into her personality or her likes and dislikes. During this period, it’s common to use a catch-all nickname like “Squishy,” “Tiny,” or “Bubba.” Once she reaches the toddler stage, experiment with different nicknames to see what sticks.
  2. 2
    Make sure your child is comfortable with the nickname. If she doesn’t understand the concept, explain that a nickname is like an extra name your family (and potentially your close friends) use to show endearment and familiarity. Consider allowing her to pick out a few nicknames she likes—she might be especially fond of the funny ones, or want something cute and animal-themed.
    • Respect your daughter’s preferences for who gets to call her by her nickname. Most people prefer that only close relatives use it, and may get annoyed if family friends or distant relatives try to call them by their nickname.
  3. 3
    Be prepared for your child to outgrow her nickname. As she gets into her teenage years, your daughter might not want to be called “Bubbles” anymore. Some nicknames feel too childish to grow with a person, while others remain used only by parents. Other nicknames may adapt or change with age. Whatever the case, don’t be too sad if a nickname falls out of use—it means your child is finding their own identity.
    • For example, a girl named Emma may go by Emmy as a child, Em as a teenager, and Emma as an adult.
  4. Advertisement

Girl Name Generator

  1. Generate randomized and personalized female names
    It can be hard to find the perfect girl's name. Whether you need a baby name or you're writing a story, our generator will help you find names that capture the unique feeling you're looking for. All fields are optional, but providing more info may help you fine-tune your search.
    • Continue with your date?
      Start Over
      Continue
      All fields are optional.
      See ad to
      Response failed. Please try again.
      Retry

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Baby Girl Nicknames160+ Fun Nicknames for Baby Girls To Match Her Personality
Funny Nicknames for Girlfriend175+ Silly, Sweet & Clever Nicknames for Your Wife or GF
Come up With a Cool Nickname Create a Cool Nickname
Funny Girl Names215+ Funny, Weird & Quirky Names for Girls
Aunt Names230+ Unique Nicknames for Aunts to Create a Closer Bond
Nicknames for GirlfriendNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas
Girl Puppy Names575+ Best Female Dog & Girl Puppy Name Ideas
Nicknames That Are CoolThe 300+ Coolest Nicknames for You & Your Besties
Good Bff Nicknames210+ Unique Nicknames for Best Friends & Duos
Cute Names to Call Your Crush150+ Sweet & Playful Nicknames to Call Your Crush
Mother Nickname315+ Mom Nicknames: Cute, Classic, & Funny Options
Names for Grandma145+ Other Names for Grandma When “Grandmother” Isn’t Right
Pig Names330+ Clever & Adorable Names for Pigs of All Breeds and Sizes
Funny Names to Call PeopleThe Best 200+ Funny Nicknames For Your Friends, Partners & More
Advertisement

About This Article

Tara Collins
Co-authored by:
Name Consultant
This article was co-authored by Tara Collins and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Bujnosek, BA. Tara Collins is a baby name consultant based in the Gold Coast, Australia. As a lifelong lover of names, Tara established The Name Nest in 2018 after her personal journey of selecting her children’s names. She wanted to create a space for mothers where there was a diverse collection of rare, unique and beautiful names. Known as thenamenest on social media, Tara blends her creative writing and art skills to create special name collections for over 205k followers. In addition to content creation, she also offers baby name consultation and a variety of customizable products including baby wraps, cards, and artwork. This article has been viewed 8,761 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 4
Updated: August 15, 2025
Views: 8,761
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,761 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement