When it’s time for that special sister, in-law, or best friend to graduate to ‘aunt’ status, finding the perfect moniker is a must. That said, it’s a hugely personal decision — should it be cute, fun, and personalized? Or would a more classic nickname make a better fit?
Let’s dive in and find the ideal nickname for the aunt-to-be in your life!
Traditional aunt nicknames
The classics are classics for a reason — they’re appropriate, sweet, affectionate, and stand the test of time. Nor will your kids be embarrassed by these nicknames by the time they become teenagers!
- Auntie (name): You can’t go wrong with this classic, which adds a cute, childlike twist to the moniker.
- Aunt (initial): Short and sweet, this is an aunt nickname that neither child nor aunt will outgrow.
- Sissy: This nickname is probably best reserved for when aunt and niece/nephew are close in age, but is a fun twist.
- Nanny: Easier to say than ‘Aunt’ or ‘Auntie’ for new talkers, this nickname is perfect for an aunt who’ll be a frequent carer for your little one.
- Auntie/Aunty: If your special sibling or in-law would rather not have a nickname that’s unique to them, calling them auntie or aunty is a lot more fun than just saying “aunt”.
Aunt nicknames by country
If ethnicity and culture are important to your family (or hers), an aunt’s nickname, reflective of her heritage, might be the perfect fit. Just about every language has a word for this important role — here are some of the most popular:
- Brazil, Portugal, Spain: Tia
- Bosnia, Croatia, Russia, Serbia: Tetka
- Czechoslovakia: Teta
- Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands: Tante
- Estonia: Tädi
- Finland: Täti
- Greek: Theia
- Hungary: Néni
- Ireland: Aintín
- Italy: Zia
- Poland: Cocia
- Romania: Mătușă
- Sweden: Moster (maternal aunt), Faster (paternal aunt)
- Turkey: Teyze
- Ukraine: Titka
Name-based aunt nicknames
Whether it’s rhymed, abbreviated, or simply a favored nickname, it’s hard to go wrong with an aunt nickname that’s based on her real name. Pair these shortened versions with your choice of prefix (aunt, auntie, sissy, or something else) for a cute, simple solution.
- Abigail: Abby, Ab, Abs
- Alexandria: Alex, Lex, Alexa, Lexi, Drea, Dre
- Allison: Ally, Allie, Liss
- Angela: Ang, Angie, Angel
- Brianna: Bree, Brie, Anna
- Brittany: Britt, Britty, Brit-Brit
- Caroline: Carrie, Caro, Linny
- Catherine: Cate, Cath, Cathy, Cat, Caty, Rynn
- Charlotte: Char, Charlie, Charles, Lottie, Lot, Lots
- Christina: Chris, Chrissy, Christy, Christine, CC
- Danielle: Dani, Dan, Elle, Ellie
- Deborah: Deb, Debbie
- Elizabeth: Liz, Lizzie, Beth
- Emma: Em, Emmie
- Evelyn: Eve, Evie, Lyn
- Francesca: Fran, Frannie, Fannie
- Gabrielle: Gab, Gaby, Elle
- Hannah: Han, Hannie, Hanners
- Hillary: Hil, Hilly
- Isabelle: Iz, Izzy, Bella
- Jacqueline: Jax, Jackie, Lynn
- Jessica: Jess, Jessie, Jessa
- Jennifer: Jen, Jenny, Jenna
- Josephine: Joe, Josie
- Jasmine: Jas, Jazzy
- Julia: Jules, Julie
- Kaitlyn: Kate, Katie, Lyn
- Kathleen: Kathy, Kath, Kate
- Katrina: Kat, Kate
- Kimberly: Kim, Kimmy, Kimber
- Lillian: Lil, Lils, Lilly
- Madeline: Mads, Maddie
- Melissa: Mel, Melly, Liss, Lissy
- Michelle: Mich, Chelle, Shelley
- Natalie: Nat, Natty
- Natasha: Natty, Tasha
- Nicole: Nic, Nicky
- Noelle: Elle, Ellie
- Olivia: Liv, Livy, Livia
- Patricia: Pat, Patty, Trish, Tricia
- Penelope: Pen, Penny
- Rebecca: Bec, Becks, Becky, Becca
- Rosemary: Rose, Rosie, Ro, Mary
- Samantha: Sam, Sammy
- Sarah: Sar, Sari
- Teresa: TT, Resa
- Tiffany: Tiff, Tiffy
- Vanessa: Vani, Nessa
- Victoria: Vicky, Tori, Vix
- Willow: Willie, Wills
Fun and sassy aunt nicknames
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with thinking outside the box! These cute, silly, fun, and sassy nicknames are lots of fun for kids to say and easy for them to remember.
- Ace
- Ladybug
- Bambi
- Countess
- Dollface
- Empress
- Queen
- Princess
- Buttercup
Things to consider when choosing an aunt nickname
Whenever you’re choosing a nickname you’d like to stand the test of time, there are a few factors you should mull over. Giving these issues some consideration can help you pick a nickname everyone will feel good about for years.
Think about her personality and style
Nicknames often reflect a person’s style. If there’s a special trait about her that’s noteworthy, or in which she takes pride — a beautiful mane of long, red hair for example — a nickname like ‘Aunt Red’ might tickle her fancy.
Likewise, giving a very girly nickname to a less feminine aunt or a silly nickname to someone who’s pretty serious will likely be a bad fit. Imagine you and your child referring to their aunt in this way, and whether it feels like a good fit.
Choose one she’ll like
Perhaps the aunt-to-be has an existing nickname or a name that’s easy to shorten; though this might feel like a good shortcut, keep in mind that she may not necessarily like it.
Many Hannahs would rather not be referred to as Hannah Banana (or Montana, for that matter).
With this in mind, avoid a nickname that’s been used to tease or even embarrass her, even if done with the best intentions.
This isn’t the kind of relationship you’ll want to encourage between your child and their aunt.
Avoid sound-alikes
While it matters less as they get older, choosing a nickname that sounds a lot like that of another friend or family member can confuse your little ones as they learn to talk.
It’s easier to choose something unique so they’ll easily differentiate between family members.
Keep it appropriate
A funny adult-leaning joke or nickname between you and your sister, in-law, or friend might invite laughter as an aunt nickname when kids are little, but remember that, one day when they’ve grown up, they may ask to hear the story.
If you can’t tell it without blushing, then keep it between yourselves.
