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
General Labourer 82
Living On Own Means 75
General Servant Domestic 61
Farmer 52
Dress Maker 51
Scholar 47
Carpenter 41
Cook Domestic 35
Agricultural Labourer 34
Domestic Servant 31
Laundress Wash 27
House Maid Domestic 26
Bricklayer 22
Housemaid Domestic 22
Dressmaker 21
Laundress 18
None 18
Gardener Domestic 17
House Keeper Domestic 17
Coal Miner Hewer 15
Plumber 14
Tailoress 14
Blacksmith 13
Bricklayer Labourer 13
Servant Domestic 13

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