Small Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Small Name Meaning: Derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'smael' meaning 'small' or 'thin'.

A nickname given to someone small in stature or slim, may have also been used to describe someone who was the opposite to these.

Discover how your Small ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Small Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Small family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 219
Female Servant 140
Independent 87
Labourer 72
Male Servant 47
Farmer 34
Carpenter 31
Shoe Maker 29
Ag Labourer 25
Tailor 20
Apprentice 18
Mason 17
Dress Maker 16
Brick Layer 14
Weaver 12
Laundress 12
Painter 11
Pauper 11
Plumber 10
Servant 10
Brick Maker 10
Blacksmith 9
Pensioner 8
Clerk 7
Ag Lab 7

Small Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Small 100% 45,460
2 Smellie 57% 1,785
3 Smell 80% 1,393
4 Samuell 57% 797
5 Seamell 57% 707
6 Smillie 57% 274

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The surname Small is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Small family