A twist on tradition: How 'nicknames' have become a big new trend for naming a baby
If there's one thing Aussies know how to do it's coming up with a nickname.
As a nation we love to shorten things, or add an 'O' on the end of something, so it's no surprise there's a new trend in baby names centred around this that's taken off.
According to the McCrindle Baby Name report for 2025, there's been an increasing number of parents opting for nicknames as first names.
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When it comes to naming a baby, there's a new trend Aussie parents are jumping on board with. Getty
Parents are now opting for names like Leo, short for Leonardo, Billy, short for William and Tommy, short for Thomas.
But the shift has been even bigger in girls names, with names like Frankie, short for Frances or Francesca, Elsie, short for Elisabeth and Lottie, short for Charlotte – all cementing spots in the Top 100 names.
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The name Elsie jumped up eight places to number 28 in the Top 100 for girls, while Lottie has jumped six places, now sitting at 81.
Meanwhile for boys, the name Archie – which sits just outside the Top 10 – stayed at number 15 year-on-year, proving that parents are loving that over a more formal or traditional Archibald.
And then there's Leo, which has fallen two places to number 6, standing up the trend for boys' names.
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Nine/Graphic: Polly Hanning
"Nickname names" are also a way to add a little bit of personality into a name – something more parents are looking to do.
According to the data from McCrindle, when it comes to picking a name, 65 per cent of the parents surveyed would rather chose a unique name, than the 35 per cent who would rather choose a popular or well known name, like the top names in Australia.
Gen Z are far more likely to buck tradition and opt for a new and unique style of name for their bub. Getty Images/iStockphoto
And when it comes to who is more likely to go with a unique name, it's Gen; 83 per cent are likely to go with a less traditional name, whereas Baby Boomers are only 43 per cent likely to go with this naming style.
More 'Nickname' style names for your baby
If you're tempted to go down the route of naming your son or daughter with a nickname name, you're in luck because there are plenty of them out there.
Here are some ideas, if you're in the market.
Boys: Al, Albie, Charlie, Gus, Liam, Nico and Teddy.
Girls: Hattie, Maisie, Coco, Maggie, Sylvie and Evie.
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