Names That Mean Small, Little, or Tiny

  1. Reiltin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little star"
    • Description:

      Variant of Realtin
  2. Ohara
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "small field"
    • Description:

      Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family.
  3. Cendrillon
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little ashes"
    • Description:

      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 something rare, whimsical, fantastical, and literary. But you must insist on the lovely French pronunciation — if you're choosing a name this uncommon, why not go all the way.
  4. Adva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "small wave; ripple"
    • Description:

      A possible addition to the Ava / Ada / Adah collection, with a Jewish twist.
  5. Pamina
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "little honey"
    • Description:

      This operatic Italian name -- it appears in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" -- is a more unusual route to the nickname Pam/Pammy.
  6. Aban
    • Origin:

      Persian or Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "October; the waters; clear, elegant"
    • Description:

      Aban is the Persian word for the month of October, derived from the Avestan apes, meaning "the waters".
  7. Damita
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "little noblewoman"
    • Description:

      Has a petite, dainty charm.
  8. Bechette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little spade"
    • Description:

      Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.
  9. Joliet
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little pretty one"
    • Description:

      Juliet sound-alike Joliet actually derives from the name Jolie, and was historically a term of endearment, later a surname. It's an attractive alternative to Juliet names and could work to honor a Joe or Joseph in your life.
  10. Ohara
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "small field"
    • Description:

      Perfect for a child of Japanese Irish heritage.
  11. Perkin
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "little Peter"
    • Description:

      Sounds like a Hobbit.
  12. Bichette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little doe"
    • Description:

      Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.
  13. Quintas
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "small estate"
    • Description:

      Sounds a bit like an Australian airline.
  14. Villette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "small town"
    • Description:

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

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little Adam"
    • Description:

      Same problem as Eóin -- squared.
  16. Bogart
    • Origin:

      Dutch surname
    • Meaning:

      "orchard"
    • Description:

      What it really means: you're a "Casablanca" fan.
  17. Ninetta
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish diminutive of Nina
    • Meaning:

      "little girl"
    • Description:

      Might be carrying things too far -- little little girl? -- though could freshen up this favorite.
  18. Durie
    • Origin:

      Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "small or black stream"
    • Description:

      An unusual and appealing Scottish family name that would work as well for a girl as a boy.
  19. Ossin
    • Origin:

      Irish, variation of Ossian
    • Meaning:

      "little dear"
    • Description:

      This name relates to Oisin, a famous ancient Irish poet, the son of Finn MacCool.
  20. Anima
    • Origin:

      Latin; Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "soul; tiny"
    • Description:

      Anima is a name that could work in so many languages, blessed as it is with easy spelling and pronunciation. It works equally well in the East and in the West, as its roots can either come from Latin, where it means "soul", or from Sanskrit, where it means "minute, tiny".