Baby Name Meanings
Names That Mean Small, Little, or Tiny
Across 12 pages
of 12
Anissa
Arabic
"friendly"
A pretty and delicate cousin of Anna is often heard in Scotland and is also currently popular in France. In the US it was brought to public attention by child actress Anissa Jones, who played Buffy…
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…
Attila
Hungarian
"little father"
English speaking countries may only associate this with the fifth-century Hun, but the name is still well-used in contemporary Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Usually said to derive from the Gothic…
Aydan
Spelling variation of Aidan, Irish
"little fiery one"
Aydan has been a popular alternate spellings of Aidan, though it has been declining in usage since 2008. While 106 boys were still given the name in 2024, this was less than half the number it was…
Baby
English word name, diminutive of Barbara, Latin
"foreign woman"
Baby is rarely seen as a given name — or even nickname — these days, although it did rank in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2003. These instances can be accounted for in two ways. Firstly, infants whose…
Bambalina
Italian
"little girl"
Better saved for a doll.
Banning
Irish
"small, fair one"
If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.
Beacan
Irish
"tiny one"
An attractive ancient Irish saint's name that conjures up a beacon of light, this Irish name for boys is well-used in Ireland but rarely heard in the US.
Bearchán
Irish
"little spear"
This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.
Becan
Irish
"little man"
This more user-friendly Anglicized form of Beacan, could profit from its kinship with the popular Beckett--with which it could share the nickname Beck. Becan is an Irish saint's name, attached to the…
Bechette
French
"little spade"
Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.
Beck
Short form of Rebecca or English
"one living beside a small stream"
Although the single-named singer is male, this might be a girl's nickname name or a sleek nature name that's perfect in the middle.
Bercan
Gaelic
"little spear"
Somewhat reminiscent of the better known Beccan, this is an Irish saints' name – there were no fewer than five St. Bercans, as well as a noted manuscript artist called Bercanus. In Ireland, it is…
Bichette
French
"little doe"
Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
Bogart
Dutch surname
"orchard"
What it really means: you're a "Casablanca" fan.
Bolan
Irish
"little poet"
An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.
Booth
English and Scottish
"small dwelling place, shed"
Short but not particularly sweet surname.
Branagan
Irish
"little raven"
Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.
Branigan
irish
"little raven"
Branigan, also spelled Branagan or Brannigan, is an Irish name full of energy and cheer. It was the title of a 1975 John Wayne movie, and Zapp Brannigan is the antihero of the animated sitcom…
Brigham
English
"little village near the bridge"
A distinguished sounding place and surname borne by religious leader Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.