If you're trying to do a 4" or so backsplash out of tiles, your best bet is to use small mosaics. They can be cut to your size without having to deal with cut edges, pick something that coordinates with the counter top.

What is your flooring?

Is there a shower that is already tiled that this wall will need to complement, or will the shower get the same new tile as this wall?

This is a guest bathroom with no tile in the shower. There is a solid shower enclosure and I am going to have the tile person put tile from the top of the shower enclosure to the ceiling around the shower. I can choose whatever I want for the backsplash and use that over the shower as well. My biggest concern is the size of the tile to not end up with so many cut pieces. 24" x 12" planks or 3 x 6 subway...or anything in between.