Maybe because Nameberry attracts such serious name lovers, many visitors to the site can’t settle for choosing just one name for their babies.

　　I’m not talking about the trend toward picking two middle names but about the taste for baby girl names that have two very different versions: a classic, elaborate, elegant, formal name with a cute, modern, spunky nickname that may be very distinct in sound and feel.

　　These two-for-one names seem to work best for girls, as evidenced by a recent message board rundown of the possibilities.  And of course it’s a phenomenon we’ve come across frequently on Nameberry before.

　　Many parents, in fact, say they’re only interested in baby girl names that go two ways.  And most don’t want to settle for the obvious, traditional short form — Penny for Penelope, for example — but are seeking a proper name and an inventive short form.

　　Some examples of fresh two-for-one names for girls, with thanks to our wonderful berries for some of these creative ideas:

　　Alexandra — Lexi or Sasha

　　Araminta — Minty

　　Aurelia — Goldie

　　Beatrix — Betty or Trixie

　　Cecilia — Cece or Lia

　　Colette — Coco or Lettie

　　Dorothea — Dottie or Teddie

　　Francesca — Chessy or Frankie

　　Georgia — Gia or Gigi

　　Guinevere — Evie or Winnie

　　Helena — Lena or Nell

　　Henrietta — Etta or Hatsy

　　Jemima — Jemma or Mimi

　　Josephine — Posy or Sophie

　　Juliet — Jet or Lulu

　　Isadora — Dory or Sadie

　　Letitia — Lettie or Tia

　　Luciana — Lux

　　Marguerite — Daisy or Maisie

　　Mariana — Mia or Minnie

　　Matilda — Millie or Tillie

　　Natalia — Tali

　　Octavia — Tavi

　　Olympia — Pia or Polly

　　Penelope — Nell or Poppy or Pippa

　　Persephone — Percy

　　Susannah — Sanna or Sunny

　　Wilhelmina — Minnie

　　Winifred — Freddie

　　What are YOUR favorite two-for-one baby girl names?