Names That Mean Little

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."

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

Common surname rarely used as a first.

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

Better saved for a doll.

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.

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

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

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.

An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.

Variant of Lunet

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.

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.

Variant of Realtin

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

Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.

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.

Has a petite, dainty charm.

Sounds like a Hobbit.