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 1,230
Agricultural Labourer 137
Labourer 86
Domestic Servant 66
General Labourer 61
Coal Miner 52
Dress Maker 49
General Servant 49
Laundress 46
Carpenter 36
Bricklayer 24
Farm Labourer 22
Carman 18
Annuitant 17
Lace Maker 17
Farm Servant Indoor 16
Charwoman 15
General Servant Domestic 15
Shoe Maker 15
No Occupation 14
Servant 14
Machinist 13
Tailoress 13
Carter 13
Painter 12

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