Full Names for Hallie

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Hallie is such a sweet, all-American girl type of nickname--it's a shame she's not used more often! The problem might be in that she doesn't have many obvious full name choices. I have eight wonderful options listed today--let me know if there are any you would add.

Halcyon- Halcyon is a fabulous Greek name with origins in Greek mythology. The fantastical bird was known for it's calming effect. It may seem like a lot to wear, but with the nickname Hallie, I think it works.

Halda- Halda might seem a touch old-fashioned, but my theory is the -da name are going to come back in style--soon. Think Frieda, Tilda, Esmeralda. When that happens, Halda will be a great under-the-radar pick, with the bonus of an adorable nickname.

Haldis- However, I'm not as optimistic about the -is names coming back anytime soon. Gladys, Glennis, and others haven't quite ripened up again. Although, Haldis is made a bit sweeter by her nickname Hallie.

Halima- Halima is a gorgeous African name popular in Egypt and Somalia. She means "gentle," "mild," or "patient" depending on the translation. Halima obviously doesn't need a nickname, but should you choose to go that route, Hallie is a nice option.

Halona- Halona has Native American and Hawaiian roots, and has the wonderful meaning of "happy fortune." She would be very wearable on an American baby, even sans the Hallie nickname.

Halsey- Everyone is loving H surnames right now, but Halsey remains undiscovered. She's short enough to go without a nickname--and obviously Hallie isn't any shorter--but it could help with gender confusion.

Henna- Many of you will recognize Henna as a plant name, most commonly associated with the Indian art of temporary tattooing. Hallie might seem like an odd nickname choice, but if Henry can answer to Hal, Henna can definitely be called Hallie.

Henrietta- Henrietta is a spunky heroine name, a la Henrietta Lacks. Much like Henna, Hallie isn't the first nickname you would expect, but is nonetheless a viable option.

10 German Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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As you will be able to tell from today's post, I love German names. Some of my very favorites are on this list, as well as some real wild choices. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Anke- If you're looking for a slimmer, more exotic version of Annika, Anke is your girl. She's pronounced much the same--AHN-ka--though is actually the German form of Agnes.

Ida- Sweet sweet Ida is due for a comeback. Americans love short vowel names ending in -a--Eva, Ava, Ella, etc.--so Ida seems like the next step. Ida is delightfully vintage--let's hope she can shake off the dust.

Isa- Isa is Ida's more stylish cousin. She sounds very modern, thanks to full forms Isabel and Isabella being so trendy. She doesn't have quite the same pronounciation as those two--it's EE-sah. Isa is a cross cultural choice, with roots in German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic (where it's a male name).

Lotte- A helpful hint with the German pronounciations: names ending in -e are said as if it is an -a. Therefore, the gorgeous Lotte is pronounced like Lotta (which is the Swedish form). She's originally a nickname for names like Charlotte, Liselotte, and Carol, but I think Lotte is wonderful on her own.

Mareike- Mareike is pronounced mah-RYE-kah--sort of a cross between Mariah and Micah. Infact, Meike (said like Micah) is one of her nicknames. Mareike has a beautiful sound, but are her spelling and pronounciation too hard for English speakers to handle?

Minna- Minna is one of my all time faves. I'm always suggesting her to people--I'm astonished she isn't more popular! She came about as a nickname for Wilhelmina, though nowadays she's better off on her own.

Romy- How lovely is Romy? By origin she's a nickname for Rosemary, though many a baby namer will suggest Romilly for a more contemporary full form. As I always say, I think Romy would be just as dashing in her own right.

Tilda- I know I've told you guys how much I love so many of the names on this list, but Tilda really is my favorite. She's currently one of my tops--she's just so darn cute! The -da sound isn't all that trendy right now, but with Matilda as a possible full name, and Tilda Swinton glamorizing her name, Tilda wouldn't be an outrageous choice for a daughter.

Zelma- Speaking of sounds that aren't very stylish right now, how about the -elma names? Abby's a big champion of Thelma (which I'm still on the fence about), and Nelma, Selma, and Velma just aren't doing it for me. Zelma, however, is a name I can get behind. The zippy Z beginning adds a faux modern touch to a very old-fashioned name.

Ziska- Ziska comes from Franziska--a German form of Frances. While Franziska might be a little much for an American girl to wear, Ziska has just the right amount of quirkiness.

Full Names for Tilly

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Tilly is one of the sweetest nicknames for girls. Tilda has been a recent favorite of mine, and I think Tilly is a darling nickname for her. If you'd like to use this (very British) nickname, I've come up with a list of possible full names for your little Tilly.

Bertilde- She may not be the most fashion-forward name on this list, but Bertilde would make a lovely way to honor a Robert, and you get to call her Tilly.

Chantilly- Chantilly is a type of French lace that works wonderfully as a first name. She has a fun, whimsical spirit.

Clotilde- Clotilde would be a rare pick for an American baby--she's gotten fewer than five uses ever since the 1980s. Tilly makes her modern and usable.

Domitilla- Looking for an interesting way to honor a Dominique? Look no further than Domitilla. She's lengthy and exquisite, so the chirpy nickname Tilly is a perfect balance.

Matilda- The classic full name for Tilly is on the rise. She only ranks in the 600s, but be careful--hipster neighborhoods are known to have quite a few Matildas.

Ottilie- It can be hard to find a long girl name that doesn't scream "princess," but Ottilie is just that. Tilly (or Tillie) is the obvious nickname.

Tallulah- She's a little bit of a stretch, but Tilly is so close to Tally. If you don't love Lu- nicknames, Tilly is a great option.

Tilda- Tilda is a diminutive of Matilda, but makes quite a statement on her own. Tilly is her best (and only) nickname option, if she even needs one at all.

Nicknames for Matilda

Matilda is a darling name. She's vintage and spunky, but kind of long. If you love it, but need a super awesome nickname, look no further.

Expected:
Mat
Mattie
Tilda

Unique:
Maude
Tilly

Unheard of:
Tilde
Tildy
Till