The name of Dearest was derived from the way that Ellone is viewed by some of the other characters in the game. To be dearest to someone is to be "beloved or loved; held precious in one's regard; cherished". That is how Raine, Laguna, Squall, and all of the other children in the orphanage feel about Ellone. It also describes her love for her family; they are the dearest thing in the world to her.