Finding Strong, Classic Names with Cuddly Nicknames Like Theo

Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, we discuss reader’s name questions, usually on Tuesdays and Fridays. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! To have your question considered, email appmtn (at) gmail. Looking for your own private #namehelp post? Order one here.

CLASSIC MEETS CASUAL

Kelsey writes:

We have two children, Eleanor Grace “Ellie” and Theodore James “Theo” and are expecting our third baby in March.

Our style is strong and traditional, but with sweet and cuddly everyday names like Theo and Ellie.

We’ve always wanted a big family so it’s important that our kids names sound good together without being too much of a pattern. I am the fourth of five kids all with K names, which is not what I want for my own children!

Also we really want names that grow up. My own name still sounds very young to me.

Ellie was almost Nathaniel “Nate” and we still like that name for a boy. Theo might have been Margaret “Margot” but Theo and Margot feels maybe a little too much O.

Other names we have considered for boys:

• Andrew – Andrew “Drew” used to be my favorite name, but maybe I’ve moved on
• Henry – don’t like the nickname Hank
• Thomas – a new favorite, love Tommy/Tom, but not sure about repeating initials

We’re really lost on girls’ names. If not Margaret, we talked about:

• Elizabeth – but too close to Ellie’s name
• Mary – no nicknames
• Victoria – doesn’t feel like us, but I do like that it’s longer and could be shortened to Torie or Vica or my favorite, Via, like the sister in Wonder

I know there are hundreds of names we could use, but nothing is jumping out at us.

We are having a delivery surprise so we need names for girls and boys, please.

Our last name is very Irish, starts with Q, rhymes with Finn.

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

FINDING NAMES LIKE THEO AND ELLIE

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new baby!

I think this is the kind of challenge that feels easy to outsiders. We all have long lists of classic names with sparky short forms that seem like obvious fits with names like Theo and Ellie.

But it’s harder when you’re trying to figure out what appeals to you and your family.

I’m wondering if you’d strongly prefer a two-syllable nickname, along the lines of Ellie or Theo, rather than something like Drew. Since your last name is very short, I can see the appeal.

Let’s start with boys, because I think you already have two strong options on your list.

The only drawback to Nathaniel is that Nate is just a single syllable, like your last name. But if that’s not a dealbreaker – and I don’t think it has to be – then Eleanor, Theodore, and Nathaniel – Ellie, Theo, and Nate – are great together.

As for Thomas? Yes, he’d share an initial with Theo. But you already have an Ellie. I don’t think you’re locking yourself into a pattern at all, especially because Theo and Tommy sound distinctly different.

On the girl’s side, I do think we need some fresh ideas. Lots of families have had an Elizabeth and an Eleanor, but I share your sense that two El- names isn’t ideal.

A BROTHER FOR THEO + ELLIE

ALEXANDER

Alexander called Alex seems like an obvious brother for Theo, and a good match with your family.

CHARLES

Charlie is another go-to boy’s name.

DAVID

Classic David has fallen from peak popularity in the middle of the 20th century, but remains a Top 50 favorite for boys. Shorten David to Davy instead of Dave and it feels a little fresher.

EDWARD

I’m not sure if Eddie would appeal, but what about Edward called Ned?

FREDERICK

Freddie is trending in the UK, and I think it has potential in the US, too.

JONATHAN

Jonathan is an unconventional way to get to the nickname Nate, but it would also shorten to Jack or Johnny/Jonny.

ROBERT

A former #1 name, Bob is everybody’s grandfather – or great-grandfather – right about now. But Robert called Robbie feels very 2026.

WILLIAM

Will is the obvious nickname, but if your family’s roots are Irish, I wonder if you’d like Liam?

GIRL NAMES LIKE THEO + ELLIE

ADELAIDE

Elaborate and distinctive Adelaide is the perfect sister name for Eleanor. Call her Addie … or Delia or Della.

JOSEPHINE

A rock solid favorite for a daughter with plentiful nicknames. Ellie, Theo, and Josie are perfect together.

FRANCES

A sweet, traditional first name with sparky short forms like Franny.

KATHERINE

I’m sure you’ve considered Katherine already, right? But Katherine called Katie or Kate or Kitty feels like an obvious choice.

LOUISE

Often tucked in the middle spot, Louise can stand on its own nicely. Shorten it to Lulu or even Lula.

MARGARET

Yes, I know – Margaret called Margot is probably out. But how about Margaret called Maggie, Maisie, or Greta?

MARIANA

An elaboration of Mary might be perfect. Call your Mariana by a nickname like Mia, Annie, or Mimi for short.

TERESA

I think Teresa pairs well with Eleanor and Theodore. Nickname Tessa is perfect with Ellie and Theo, too.

Overall, I want to talk you into Thomas called Tommy. Thomas Alexander, maybe? And for a girl, Margaret called Maisie seems so right. Margaret Elise would be my pick.

But if those doesn’t appeal, I think Robert called Robbie is my favorite of the boy names like Theo and Ellie. Robert Nathaniel could be perfect. For a sister, I like Margaret called Maisie, so maybe Margaret Louise? Overall, though, Teresa nicknamed Tessa would get my vote. I’m kind of loving Teresa Mary for you.

Readers, over to you! Please suggest more names like Theo/Theodore and Ellie/Eleanor for Kelsey and her family.