Meaning, origin, history
Shorty is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Short, which itself comes from an Old English personal name, 'Seort', meaning 'short'. The name Shorty is often associated with individuals who are physically short in stature, however, this is not necessarily the case for everyone who bears this name.
The use of Shorty as a given name began to gain popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly among African American communities in the United States. It was often used as an affectionate nickname or a shortened form of other names such as Albert, Bernard, or Sherman. Despite its origins, Shorty is not typically considered a surname, but rather a given name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who were known by the name Shorty. One example is American jazz musician and blues singer, Percy "Shorty" White, who was active during the early 20th century. Another famous Shorty is former professional basketball player, Earl "The Goat" Manigault, often considered one of the greatest streetball players ever.
Today, Shorty remains a popular given name among American families, with its unique and memorable sound continuing to appeal to parents seeking distinctive names for their children. While it may have originated as a nickname or shortened form of other names, Shorty has since established itself as a standalone given name with its own history and significance.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Shorty since 1880
Total births
30
Total since 1880
Peak year
1916
7 births
in 1932
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years