Finding fresh ideas for baby names can be a challenge. Inspiration is everywhere, but it can be nearly impossible to find a name that's the perfect mix of charming and fresh, familiar but not too popular. It turns out the question isn't where one should one look for ideas but when. There is something to be said for sticking with a classic. There is a level of elegance and poise that comes with taking a look toward the past. And looking to certain time periods can be a huge source of inspiration for the expectant parent — adding a quirky, vintage charm to any baby name list. What's old is new again, right?
According to naming expert Laura Wattenberg of BabyNameWizard.com, “the early 20th Century was a nickname extravaganza, especially for girls.” And yesterday’s nicknames are today’s quirky-cute first names that belong on anybody’s baby name list.
"They've been gone long enough to feel fresh again," adds Wattenberg, which also means a child is bound to be the only one with that name at the playground. So take a stroll through history with these rare former nicknames that might be the perfect, charmingly fresh addition to a baby name list. The right name could just be one that takes a little digging, but there's no doubt it's worth it. Take a look!
This article originally appeared on Cafe Mom.
Bizzy
You'll never be 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.
Libby
You probably first heard this name on the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but we promise Libby is more than a high school mean girl. In fact, Libby — which is a pet name of Elizabeth — is derived from the Hebrew elishiba, meaning "God is my Oath." And since 2007, Libby has been climbing the charts.
Sukey
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!
More from CafeMom: 16 Ultra Rare Baby Names Inspired by the Sun, Moon & Stars
Tessie
Hey little Tessie! 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!
Birdie
A charming throwback name that is perfect for your baby, Birdie reached peak popularity in the 1880s. You probably know Birdie 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 your wings, little bird!
Flossie
You probably have a great aunt named Flossy, but no worries: This name has 2017 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.
More from CafeMom: 25 Hipster Baby Boy Names That'll Totally Give Him Street Cred
Tibby
"If you want [a name that's] friendly plus noticeable, nicknames of past generations are a perfect solution," says Laura Wattenberg. Which is why we think Tibby is a perfect choice for your soon-to-be newborn. Derived from Tabitha, meaning "gazelle" in Greek, Tibby is classic name with quirky flair.
Goldie
For your little golden girl! 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.
Dovie
The perfect name for your 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.
More from CafeMom: 26 Hipster Baby Girl Names That Sound Effortlessly Cool
Polly
Who didn't love 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? 2018.
Letty
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 is sure to keep you smiling for years to come.
Winnie
What a win! Winnie, short for Winifred, Winona, Edwina, Gwendolen, and Rowena (so many options!), has become a popular name in its own right, even reaching number 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.
More from CafeMom: 21 Enchanting Baby Girl Names Inspired by Forgotten Disney Characters
Essie
You 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 your favorite nail color, Tart Deco. It was also an incredibly popular name in the 1890s, peaking at 139. Sounds stylish!
Billie
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 English actress Billie Piper. Kind of a sassy name, don't you think?
Dillie
Truly a name for the cutest little girl in your life, Dillie is traditionally a nickname for Delilah, Cordelia, Dahlia, Daffodil, and Odelia. But it also makes a great name on its own. In Hebrew, the name Delilah means "delicate," which we think is pretty fitting for this short, spunky title.
More from CafeMom: 21 Magical Baby Boy Names Inspired by Forgotten Disney Characters
Georgie
Fans of the name Georgia will like this contemporary update to an American classic. Georgie, short for Georgia, Georgina, Georgiana, or Georgette, is the perfect name for a twee little one. Derived from the name George, meaning "earthworker" or "farmer," Georgie peaked in the 1880s at number 289 in popularity. But we think this cute unisex name is perfect for 2017.
Mellie
Fans of the TV show Scandal are like 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. Go, Mellie, go!
Hattie
Truly a great, quirky girl's name, Hattie, short for Harriet or Henrietta, is an awesome name meaning "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 senate), and Hattie McDermott, daughter of Tori Spelling.
More from CafeMom: 21 Popular British Baby Boy Names Perfect for a Charming Little Gent
Effie
A great name for your little dream girl! Effie, short for Euphemia, was the name of one of the titular character 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. You know, a good name never goes out of style.
Trixie
Watch out for this one! Trixie is a little trickster and is a nickname for Beatrix, Beatrice, and occasionally Patricia. Trixie, meaning "she who brings happiness," is a great name with vintage appeal.
Lottie
A name with a little British flare, 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.
More from CafeMom: 21 Baby Names Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood
Etty
Etty is usually a nickname for all those classic -etta names, like 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.
Tilly
Although Tilly is a popular name in England and Wales, the name has never quite caught on here in the US. And why not? While it's usually a nickname for Matilda, Tilly has a sweet vintage vibe that makes it perfect for a quirky little girl.
Sudie
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."
Vinnie
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 perfect for a little tomboy on the go.
More from CafeMom: 50 Uncommon Irish Baby Girl Names With Beautiful Meanings
Millie
Millie, as in Millie Bobby Brown, is a cool vintage name that's actually 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 by itself.
Minnie
Minnie — yes, like the famous mouse — is actually a pet form of Miryam or Mary. Since the name has such a famous counterpart, it's been popular on and off since the early 1900s. However, it's falling off the top 1,000 US baby names in the 2000s. Looks like it's time for a comeback.
Hettie
The name Hettie, short for Henrietta or Hester, is a unique 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
Nellie is actually 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.
More from CafeMom: 20 Best Royal Baby Names Inspired by 'The Crown'
Willie
Willie, short for Wilhelmina, was a popular girls' name until the 1950s, when it promptly dropped off the most popular US baby names. But the name has undeniable hipster flair and it seems ripe for a comeback.
Roxie
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
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 — might be a good alternative to its much more popular long form.
Gillie
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.
Elsie
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.
More from CafeMom: 17 Trending Baby Boy Names That Are Going to Be Everywhere in 2018
Mammie
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.
