Names That Mean Small, Little, or Tiny

South African adventurer Riaan Manser introduced this name to the American and European world. After bicycling the entire coast of Africa and rowing with his girlfriend from Morocco to New York, he wrote books about his travels and made his name famous. Riaan was also the baby name choice of Bollywood stars Genelia D'Souza and Riteish Deshmukh. It debuted on the US popularity list at Number 926 in 2015, when it was the fastest-rising name of the year. Nonetheless, be prepared to correct people on the spelling.

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.

Feels like a hybrid. Better go for Edith or Evelyn.

Fiametta is the pseudonym Italian Renaissance writer Bocaccio gave to his muse in his writing; her real name was most likely Maria d'Aquino. It was also the title of a ballet in the 19th century. This is one of the unusual but not inaccessible Italian names for girls; you can make it even more user-friendly with the cute nicknames Fia or Etta.

Aydan has been a popular alternate spellings of Aidan, though it has been declining in usage since 2008. It has also been seen as a girl's name.

While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.

Perfect for a child of Japanese Irish heritage.

This is an obscure spelling of the banana girl name.

Tyra would be a more modern pick.

A Charlotte nickname heard much more often in Britain than here--American parents might prefer Charlie or Lottie.

If Isla feels too mainstream.

Has a petite, dainty charm.

One you might like for its cozy meaning, but there is that Pied Piper rat connection.

Short but not particularly sweet surname.

Friendly-sounding name with big "Sweeney Todd" downside.

Paulana is an unusual feminine form of Paul or may be considered a combination name, smooshing Paula and Ana. It sounds international without truly being attached to any particular culture. As Paul and Paula's fashion stars have faded, there's little to compel a parent to choose Paulana over the more established Pauline, for instance, if honoring an ancestral Paul.

A term for a type of Dutch sailing ship that might be an interesting way to get to Gal, as in Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot.

An attractive possibility among girl names starting with U.