Surname Small - Meaning and Origin

Unexpected Revelations Unearthed: Tracing Germanic, Ashkenazi Jewish and Nordic Ancestry Tied to the Small Surname Through an iGENEA DNA Test

Imagine my astonishment when an iGENEA DNA test proved my surname, Small, traced not to the British Isles as I had assumed, but strongly to Germanic regions. Even more surprising were the unexpected traces of Ashkenazi Jewish and Nordic bloodlines in my heritage, showing a rich history of migration and cultural mingling throughout the centuries.

V. Small

Small: What does the surname Small mean?

The surname Small is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in the British Isles. It derives from the Middle English word "smal", meaning "thin" or "narrow". The surname was originally a descriptive nickname for a person who was small in stature or thin. However, the term could also be used to describe a person's dwelling, possessions, or even their lands. Over time, it would have evolved into a hereditary surname. Shire, county, or regional variations may also further distinguish the Small family lineage. It is also common in Scotland, where it was often shortened from "Smallman". Despite the physical characteristic implied by the surname, those bearing it demonstrated that size does not determine success or influence, as a notable presence of the Small family can be traced historically throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.

Small: Where does the name Small come from?

The surname Small is common in several countries today, particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. In the UK, Small is most prevalent in the south of England, while in Canada it is concentrated in Ontario. In the U.S., the name is most commonly found in the northern states of New England, the Mid-Atlantic region, and portions of the Midwest. In addition, there are small numbers of families with this surname in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and several other countries.

The origin of the surname Small is believed to be Anglo-Saxon in nature. During the time of Domesday in 1086, the name Small (Smaele in Latin) is recorded in Norfolk. In Scotland, the name is believed to have originated in Lanarkshire from a family called Smal. In Ireland, the name is derived from the Gaelic "ó Maoilsheachlainn" or "son of the follower of St. Secundin".

Throughout its history, the Small surname has undergone several changes, such as Smale, Smalle, Smalley, and Smelly. Different spellings of the name can be found even today, indicating that the family has traveled and spread over time. Similarly, variants of the name such as Smallman, Smarson, and Smellin are often found, often from the adoption of additional surnames.

Over time, the surname Small has become increasingly popular, as families moved around the country and expanded. Today, it is common in many countries around the world and has established a diverse heritage.

Variations of the surname Small

The surname Small can take many variants depending on language and area. In English, spellings of the surname can include; Smale, Smalle, Smaill, Smale, Smal, Smaller, Smill and Smillie. In Scotland, the surname often has an extra ‘e’ on the end, as in Smalle or Smale; for example, Robert Smalle lived in Scotland in the early 14th century.

In German, the surname may be Smallenkopf or Klein, which both have the meaning of ‘small’ or ‘little’. In Hebrew, the surname may be Smallenski, which is a form of the Yiddish name ‘Small’. In Dutch, spellings of the surname may be Smal, Smalen, Smalduin and Smalleman.

In French, surnames related to Small include Smal, Smalez, Petit, Pichot and Petit-Loise, all of which mean either ‘small’ or ‘little’ in English.

Variants of the surname are dependent on language and geography, but they all carry a common origin; stemming from the word for ‘small’, ‘little’ or ‘smaller’. Despite various spellings, the surname itself is derived from the same source regardless of spellings or language, and is still the same surname in origin.

Famous people with the name Small

• Sheila Small: Actress
• Tom Small: Comedian
• Jodie Small: Actor
• John Small: Actor
• Christina Small: Musician
• Sonia Small: Actress
• Gary Small: Neuroscientist
• Derek Small: Actor
• Aron Small: Actor
• Davina Small: Actor
• Ashley Small: Singer-Songwriter
• Hayley Small: Actress
• Terry Small: Musician
• Grant Small: Musician
• Anthony Small: Boxer
• Madison Small: Actor
• David Small: Cartoonist
• Gregory Small: Actor
• Alphonse Small: Author
• Paul Small: Actor

Other surnames

SmaleSmalewoodSmallerSmalleySmallieSmallsSmallwoodSmallySmalserSmaltzerSmalwodeSmalwoodSmalzer