Names That Mean Small

This offbeat word name refers to a small brood of birds. Cove has been an up-and-coming unisex nature name in recent years, and a few parents are recognizing Covey as an alternative. Be warned though that many will associate that first syllable with Covid.

Nore comes from Nori, the Old Norse mythological name of the founder of Norway. As a feminine name, Nore is a variation of Nora popular in the Netherlands.

Isle is a super rare nature name that sounds like an appealing unisex form of Isla.

Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.

If you want a truly unusual name with authentic roots, this one certainly fits on both counts. Pronunciation may prove a stumbling block, however.

A variant of Madden or Madigan, cool surnames which ultimately derive from the Irish Gaelic word for "dog".

Charming Gallic name uncommon in France, and unknown in this country, with literary credibility as the title of a Charlotte Brontë novel.

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.

Skylar may be mainstream now, but Skylark is fresh and offbeat. With Lark gaining more attention as a name — following in Wren's footsteps — Skylark feels fashionable yet distinct. Skylark debuted on the US charts in 2022.

A Catalan surname connected to Albert Pujols, the Dominican-American baseball player most notably of the Los Angeles Angels. It might not make a great first name, but Pujols could make a meaningful middle for the child of a baseball fan.

Perfect for a child of Japanese Irish heritage.

Tyra would be a more modern pick.

Part River, part Beckett, part Ridge, part Reeves, the unusual Rivulet could have potential.

Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family.

The kind of name last found in northern Wisconsin in the 1950s, and even then it was probably a nickname for Delbert.

As a feminine name, Konan has Japanese origins. It is the name of a villainous character in the Naruto franchise.

An unusual and appealing Scottish family name that would work as well for a girl as a boy.