Rei

Rei is a short and sweet name that means 'bell' in Japanese, though it can also mean 'lovely' or 'graceful' depending on the kanji. This name has a gentle musicality and simplicity that is appealing to many. It gained international attention partly due to Rei Ayanami, a character from the Japanese anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'. In Japan, Rei is a popular name for both genders, but internationally, it is more often given to girls. The name's brevity means it rarely needs a nickname, though it might be paired with other short names.