name speculation

No kabalarians analysis for a change, since in the end they're not that reliable. And even though Square is known for it's hidden meanings in names and whatnot, I doubt they have resorted to name analyses yet.

So, why the name 'Rikku'? As you might already know, Rikku is rather tomboyish, playing with machina and not wearing a dress and being quite strong physically. Those aren't normal traits for a Final Fantasy femme (unless you count Tifa (and she wears a dress) or Yuffie). And Rikku is a male name.

Connection? Highly likely.

The characters often have names that describe them, or wear accessories that describe their name. Take Yuna's name for example: Yuna means Hibiscus flower, and she has flower symbols on her dress, necklace and obi.
Rikku has a male name and she dresses accordingly. And she IS an Al Bhed, so tinkering with machines is kind of compulsory for her.

Rikku doesn't sound like a male name.