Little Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Little originates from the Middle English word for small. It signifies smallness and has evolved from Old English through Middle English to its current form. The name reflects traits of affection and playfulness, but it does not have a biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Little"
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪtəl/
Origin
Middle English
Etymology
The name Little is derived from the Old English word 'lyt' meaning 'small' or 'little'. It was originally used as a surname to denote a person of small stature or a younger person in a family.
Meaning
small, little
Language Evolution
Old English: lyt, Middle English: litel, Modern English: little
Historical Usage
The surname Little gained prominence in England during the Middle Ages and has been used as a first name in more recent history.
Variants & Derivatives
Littles, Littler, Littlejohn
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Little is often associated with affection and endearment. It has a modern image of being playful and lighthearted.
Famous People
Little Richard, an influential musician, Little Annie Fanny, a comic strip character
📊 Little Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Little Name Visualizations
✨ Little Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 41 peak births in 1975
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Little"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Little"
"Little" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1718th of 7545 | 313 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1933rd of 6773 | 263 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1870th of 7552 | 338 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1856th of 10718 | 383 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3989th of 16616 | 202 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 15374th of 24088 | 29 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6300th of 9107 | 25 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5456th of 9204 | 42 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6510th of 12526 | 61 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8765th of 19264 | 62 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 17086th of 27321 | 28 |
Regional Popularity of "Little" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
58.66% 1388th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
61.62% 1758th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
44.74% 1574th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Little" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Little"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Little" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Little" in the United States
The name Little is most popular in Georgia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Little has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Little' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1718th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1933rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1870th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1856th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3989th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15374th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20190th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6300th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5456th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6510th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8765th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 17086th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Little' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.