Note: Needle valve is also used in English for larger valve constructions different from the smaller needle valve, but similar in the axial movement of the closing member against the ring-formed, wall attached seat. Search google for the German name: 'ringkolben ventile'.
If you ever get the chance to tour the Hover Dam, they show the 72 inch Needle valves they use to control water flow into the turbines. Proves the term "needle" has more to do with the plug shape than the size of the valve.