What is the literal translation of the genus name *Xiaosaurus*?

Dawn lizard

The name *Xiaosaurus* is derived from two linguistic components combined by the scientists who described it. The first part, *Xiao*, originates from the Chinese word meaning 'dawn.' This is coupled with the Greek word *sauros*, which translates to 'lizard.' Therefore, the combination yields the meaning 'dawn lizard.' This name was chosen because the fossils recovered represented some of the most ancient dinosaur remains found in that specific region of China at the time of discovery. However, contextually, since the animal lived during the Middle Jurassic period, which succeeded the true dawn of the dinosaur age in the Late Triassic, some analysis suggests 'noon lizard' might have been a more chronologically accurate descriptor for a Middle Jurassic inhabitant.