💡 GOOD TO KNOWSay the name loudly as if calling a child in from the garden.
Say the name loudly as if calling a child in from the garden.
A first name is the part people actually call you. It is what friends shout across a room and what a teacher reads from the register. That is why it matters so much when you name a baby, a character or a pet persona, and why it helps to see lots of options side by side.
This first name generator gives you only given names, with no surnames to distract you. Choose boys' or girls' names and get ten random first names per click from a list of more than three hundred. Below, you will also find simple ways to turn a first name into a nickname.
How to use the first name generator
- Choose Male, Female or Any in the Style box.
- Press Generate names to get ten random first names.
- Say each name out loud and imagine calling it across a room.
- Save the ones you like with the heart to build a shortlist.
Why look at first names on their own
When a surname sits next to a first name, it is easy to judge the pair instead of the name itself. Looking at first names alone lets you focus on what really matters for daily life: how the name sounds when spoken, how it looks written, and how it feels to say it a hundred times a day.
The list mixes everyday modern names, vintage names coming back into fashion like Mabel and Otto, and names from many cultures, such as Kenji, Fatima, Arjun and Ines. That variety helps you spot a name you would never have thought to search for.
Turning a first name into a nickname
Most nicknames come from a first name in a few simple ways. Once you know the patterns, you can build a nickname from almost any name in the list.
- Cut it short: Matilda becomes Tilly, Sebastian becomes Seb, Josephine becomes Jo.
- Add -ie or -y: Max becomes Maxie, Fern becomes Fernie, Tom becomes Tommy.
- Use the middle or end: Elizabeth becomes Beth, Alexander becomes Xander.
- Use initials: a name like Arthur James can become AJ.
- Double a sound: Lucia becomes Lulu, Dorothy becomes Dodo.
Example names and what makes them work
| Name | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Hamish | A Scottish classic with a warm sound that is rare outside Scotland. |
| Marigold | A flower name with a natural nickname, Goldie. |
| Thaddeus | Old and distinctive, it shortens nicely to Tad or Teddy. |
| Elodie | A soft French name that feels fresh in English-speaking countries. |
| Kofi | A Ghanaian name given to boys born on a Friday. |
| Winifred | A vintage name with the sweet nicknames Winnie and Freddie. |
| Enzo | Short, Italian and modern, with a fun z sound. |
| Astrid | A Scandinavian name that sounds strong and clear. |
Tips for picking the right name
- Say the name loudly as if calling a child in from the garden.
- Think about the likely nickname before you choose the full name.
- Write the name down to see if it is easy to spell.
- Check what the name means, especially for names from other languages.
- Look at vintage names; many are becoming popular again.
Common questions
Does this tool only give first names?
Yes. It shows given names only, with no surname, so you can judge each first name on its own. Switch the Style box to see boys, girls or both.
How many first names are in the list?
There are more than three hundred first names across the boys' and girls' lists, mixing modern, vintage and international names.
Can I make a nickname from a first name?
Yes. Shorten the name, add -ie or -y, use a middle part of the name, or use initials. The section above shows each method with real examples.
Are these real names?
Yes. Every name in the list is a real first name used by people today, from many different countries and cultures.