def _name_from_element(element):
    """
    Fetches a name suitable for OTIO objects from the ``name`` element child
    of the provided element.
    If no element exists, returns empty string.

    :param element: The element to find the name for.

    :return: The name string or and empty string
    """
    name_elem = element.find("./name")
    if name_elem is not None:
        return name_elem.text if name_elem.text is not None else ""

    return ""