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
Scholar 489
Agricultural Labourer 180
House Servant 79
Labourer 65
Farm Labourer 53
Dress Maker 52
Servant 37
At Home 33
Laundress 33
Carpenter 31
General Servant 29
Pauper 24
Mason 21
Coal Miner 19
Annuitant 16
Bricklayer 16
Farmers Son 15
Cook 15
House Keeper 15
Tailor 15
Farmer's Son 15
Baker 14
Farm Servant 12
Glover 12
Shoe Maker 11

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

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