Names That Mean Little

Somewhat reminiscent of the better known Beccan, this is an Irish saints' name – there were no fewer than five St. Bercans, as well as a noted manuscript artist called Bercanus. In Ireland, it is sometime shortened to Barry.

Rousseau gives French flair to other red-haired names like Russell and Rory. It is associated with the influential eighteenth century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the painter Henri Rousseau.

An ancient Irish saint's name derived from the same root as the popular Aidan.

The Sioux are groups of Native American tribes and First Nations peoples in North America, the two major modern divisions of which are the Dakota and Lakota. Not recommended as a baby name.

Chibiusa was created as a name for the Sailor Moon franchise. It's the nickname of Purinsesu Usagi Sumōru Redi Sereniti (Princess Usagi Small Lady Serenity). Usagi, which is also her mother's name, means "rabbit of the moon."

Hack is, unfortunately, both an unappealing word and sound.

An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.

This sweet, fruity French name debuted in the American charts in 2020 (but dipped out again the following year). Although it's offbeat, the spunky nicknames Prue and Nell(ie) definitely work in its favor.

Variant of Lunet

Calendula is a species of English marigold, deriving from the plural of Latin calends "the first of the month", because it blooms for most of the year. It would be a romantic and extravagant name for a daughter.

A pretty town in Scotland, named for its perfect horseshoe-shaped bay.

Variant of Realtin

Cute Japanese name with a nickname to match. Rini was used in the Sailor Moon series.

The unusual (to English speakers) name Cendrillon is French for Cinderella, though most Americans wouldn't recognize it as such. This might make an excellent middle name for those who are looking for something rare, whimsical, fantastical, and literary. But you must insist on the lovely French pronunciation — if you're choosing a name this uncommon, why not go all the way.

This US state name has been rising slowly but steadily for girls over the last 30 years, but à la Dakota, it could easily be a male name too.

This operatic Italian name -- it appears in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" -- is a more unusual route to the nickname Pam/Pammy.

Aban is the Persian word for the month of October, derived from the Avestan apes, meaning "the waters".

Has a petite, dainty charm.

Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.

Juliet sound-alike Joliet actually derives from the name Jolie, and was historically a term of endearment, later a surname. It's an attractive alternative to Juliet names and could work to honor a Joe or Joseph in your life.