The Kodaly system uses logically built up names for rhymic patterns. Ta is one beat, ti-ti is quavers, tika-tika is semi-quavers, t-k-t for triplets, etc. There are variations for ease of pronounciation in different languages, or personal preference. It's worth noting that these are only viewed as aids until rhythmic patterns are well embedded. The Kodaly Method page on Wikipedia can take you further on this, including useful publications.