Surname Smally - Meaning and Origin
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Smally: What does the surname Smally mean?
Smally is a surname of English origin, said to be derived from the Old English term "smael", which translates to "narrow" or "slender". Thus, it was typically used as a nickname for someone who was thin or had a narrow build. Over time, this nickname evolved into a last name or surname to create the surname of Smally. It is important to note, however, that the exact meaning and origin can vary widely, particularly in the context of different cultures and geographic areas, and that this should serve as more of a general understanding rather than an absolute. Like many last names, it may have also transformed over centuries and across different regions, even within a single country.
Order DNA origin analysisSmally: Where does the name Smally come from?
The last name Smally is generally not a widely used last name today, however, it can occasionally be included in some family trees. This name is most common in central and eastern Canada and some parts of the United States particularly in regions in Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere. It might be derived from the French language, or from an English word, such as Smalley, which may have been derived from a place name.
The person with the last name Smally may have had their roots in England or Ireland, but it is likely from the French language. Its origin is still uncertain. People may have adopted the last name due to their occupation, such as a smallholder, or in some cases to differentiate their surname from other similar surnames.
Due to its uncommonness, there is no direct answer to where the last name Smally is most commonly found today. However, it appears to have a stronger presence in Canadian and US locations. However, this is largely speculative, and it is unknown as to how many people in those countries use the surname today.
Variations of the surname Smally
The surname Smally is an English habitational name derived from a location in Lancashire. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Smalley, Small, Smalle, Smal, Smalleigh, Smallee, Smalley, Smalleys, Smalleys, Smalling, Smallin, Smallys, and Smalleye.
Smalley is the most common version of the name, and it is believed to have its origins in the village of Small in the township of Liverpool. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old English word “smale,” which means small. The spelling of the name has changed over the centuries, and the earliest record of the name was found in the local parish register of about 1275.
The next version of the name Smalle is also believed to have been derived from the same location, however it is thought to have been used in Scotland in the 1600s. Rare spellings of the name include Smalleye and Sm alleigh, which were found in London parish records of 1645 and 1646 respectively.
Smalling is another variation of the name, and it is believed to have been derived from the place name of Smallholme in Lancashire which is now known as Haverhill. Smallin is thought to be of Scottish origin, and Smallys and Smalleys variants of the name found in Ireland are believed to be derived from the Irish sept the Mac Auliffe.
Overall the name Smally and its various spellings and variants are likely derived from a place name reference to a location in Lancashire and Scotland, as well as Ireland.
Famous people with the name Smally
- Karlie Kloss Smally: an internationally renowned supermodel.
- David Smally: an award-winning actor who has starred in numerous films and television shows.
- Lenny Smally: a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter.
- Roman Smally: an Olympic athlete who won a bronze medal in judo at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
- Harry Smally: an award-winning journalist and author of several books.
- Adrien Smally: a renowned fashion designer who has created pieces for celebrity clients and major brands.
- Chris Smally: a former professional football player and current television sports analyst.
- Charlotte Smally: an Olympic archery champion and four-time world champion.
- Brad Smally: a retired general in the United States Air Force.
- Joseph Smally: a pioneering physicist and astrophysicist who made several important discoveries in astrophysics.