Find out how popular the first name Little has been for the last 44 years (from 1974 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Little by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Little is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 86% of people named Little being male.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Little.

The history of the first name Little

The given name Little is a descriptive nickname dating back to the Middle English period, around the 13th century. It likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Lyttel or Lytel, which were derived from the Old English word "lyt" meaning small or little. The name was often used to describe a person of short stature or someone who was the youngest child in a family.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Little can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholders in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears as a surname, referring to individuals who were either literally small in size or were the younger members of their families.

In the 14th century, the poet Geoffrey Chaucer mentioned a character named "Littel John" in his famous work, The Canterbury Tales. This character was a member of Robin Hood's band of merry men, known for his diminutive size but great skill with a bow and arrow.

During the 16th century, the name Little was associated with several notable figures. One example is the English poet and playwright John Lyly (1554-1606), who was known for his witty and ornate style of writing. Another was the English botanist and herbalist John Gerard (1545-1612), who wrote one of the most influential botanical works of his time, known as Gerard's Herbal.

In the 17th century, the name Little gained prominence through the works of the English philosopher and empiricist John Locke (1632-1704). Locke's influential writings on political philosophy, education, and human understanding helped shape the foundations of modern democratic thought.

Another notable figure with the name Little was the American Revolutionary War soldier and spy Enoch Little (1743-1818). Little played a crucial role in gathering intelligence for the Continental Army during the war, and his exploits were celebrated in contemporary accounts and historical records.

Throughout history, the name Little has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, from poets and writers to scientists and military figures. While it may have originated as a nickname or descriptive term, it has since become a respected given name in its own right, carrying a sense of humility and modesty.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Little was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Little, please contact us.

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