Small Dog Names

Anima is a name that could work in so many languages, blessed as it is with easy spelling and pronunciation. It works equally well in the East and in the West, as its roots can either come from Latin, where it means "soul", or from Sanskrit, where it means "minute, tiny".

Might be carrying things too far -- little little girl? -- though could freshen up this favorite.

Possible (and offbeat) middle name twist when honoring a familial John.

Spunky old vaudeville era nickname name suddenly sounds new again.

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.

Elf is an adorable nickname for the otherwise-clunky Elfrida or Elfrieda. Elf was used for the tragic sister in Miriam Toews' novel All My Puny Sorrows.