Names That Mean Little

Well-used in Japan, this name refers to the suzu, a tiny metal bell often placed in a silk charm bag and attached to a girl's undergarment so that a lovely tinkling sound is heard as she moves, and originally thought to frighten demons.

Ro- names are on the rise — think Roman, Rory, and Rowan — but straightforward and streamlined Row (and Rowe, Roe, and Ro) takes this trend to the next level. The pared-down single syllable gives Row an ultra-cool edge.

A Roman name that's unused by English speakers today, but might appeal as a shorter, lighter alternative to Aurelia. The Latin vocabulary word aula also meant "hall".

Tuulikki is a Finnish name meaning "little wind" -- tuuli means wind in Finnish -- and also the name of a forest goddess. Supermodel Else Hosk, whose mother is Finnish, chose this name for her daughter.

An attractive update to Gladys.

Gladiola is a character in the 1991 novel and 1995 film How to Make an American Quilt

Ettie or Etty works as a nickname for any name with a prominent "et" sound, usually at the end: think Henrietta, Juliette or Colette. The -ette ending is a French diminutive suffix.

Famke was introduced to this country via Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen, but is not likely to appeal to many American parents.

One of the most usable names for an American child from the Icelandic Top 50.

A virtually unheard of girl name with a lot of potential — giving classic Sara an elegant and extra-princessy spin.

This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.

The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.

Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.

Tenten is not a given Japanese name, but it was used for a character in the Naruto franchise.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

Cendrine derives from Cendrillon, the French form of Cinderella. It's quite uncommon, even in France, but if the fairy tale made a big impression on you, it could be a sweet tribute.

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.

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."

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.

Better saved for a doll.