Names That Mean Little
Across 13 pages
of 13
Amarissa
Combination name, Ama + issa
"little lover"
Amarissa is kind of cobbled together from two traditional elements: Ama, which means "love" or "lover" and is found in such more established names as Amabel and Amariah, and -issa, which is a common…
Arizona
Place-name from Papago Indian
"little springs"
We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510…
Bambalina
Italian
"little girl"
Better saved for a doll.
Bechette
French
"little spade"
Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.
Bichette
French
"little doe"
Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
Cantara
Arabic
"little bridge"
An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.
Carina
Italian
"dear little one"
Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.
Carlin
Irish
"little champion"
Stronger and more contemporary twist on Carla or Carly, Carlin was used just about equally for girls and boys in the US last year.
Ciara
Irish
"little dark one"
Ciara is very popular in Ireland, more familiar here as the Anglicized Kiera or Keira. The uninitiated will tend to pronounce Ciara as the Italian Chiara, a form of Claire—kee-AHR-a or even…
Charty
English diminutive of Charlotte, French
"free man"
A Charlotte nickname heard much more often in Britain than here — American parents might prefer Charlie or Lottie.
Chiquita
Spanish
"little one"
As a term of endearment, maybe, but not as a proper name, where it would practically demand the refrain "Banana."
Chiqueta
Variation of Chiquita, Spanish
"little one"
This is an obscure spelling of the banana brand name.
Cinderella
French
"little ash-girl"
One familiar name never used for real people, for obvious reasons. Read more about Cinderella and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
Cendrillon
French
"little ashes"
The unusual (to English speakers) name Cendrillon is French for Cinderella, though most Americans wouldn't recognize it as such. This might make an excellent middle name for those who are looking for…
Cosette
French literary nickname
"little thing"
Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables . In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some…
Damita
Spanish
"little noblewoman"
Has a petite, dainty charm.
Darren
Irish
"little great one"
Once-popular boys' name works better now for girls, as a kind of Dara/Karen blend.
Famke
Dutch
"little girl"
Famke was introduced to this country via Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen, but is not likely to appeal to many American parents.
Fiammetta
Italian
"little fiery one"
Fiammetta, from the Italian word for flame, has both femininity and fire. Fiammetta could make a good alternative to more conventional Italian girls' names like Giovanna. Fiammetta has some romantic,…
Fiorella
Italian
"little flower"
Not only are individual flower names more popular (and out-there) than ever, but so too are the more generic names like Florence and Flora. While brother name Fiorello became known via long-term New…