Last Name Small

Learn more about the origin of the last name Small

The meaning and origin of the last name Small

The surname Small is an English and Scottish surname of occupational origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "smal," meaning "little" or "small." The name was given to individuals who were either of small stature or used to work with small objects. The surname Small is a descriptive name that likely emerged during the Middle Ages when surnames were first being adopted in England and Scotland. It is fairly common, not only in England and Scotland but also among English-speaking populations worldwide. The Small surname can be found in various forms such as Smale, Smales, Smail, and Smalls. Variations in spelling often resulted from regional accents, illiteracy, or clerical errors. Over time, the surname Small may have been modified and changed as families migrated and altered their names to fit the local pronunciation or spelling conventions. Today, individuals with the surname Small may proudly bear their ancestral name, representing their family's historical connection to the traits of being small or working with small objects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Small

The last name Small has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It is primarily found in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The concentration of the Small surname is particularly strong in England, where it originated. In England, it can be found throughout the country, with higher occurrences in counties like Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. The name eventually spread to other English-speaking regions through emigration and settlement patterns, explaining its presence in the aforementioned countries. Additionally, the Small name can be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including Scotland and Ireland, where it is often spelled Smillie or Smylie. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Small reflects the historical migration and settlement of English-speaking populations across different countries and regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Small

The last name Small, originally derived from the Middle English word "smal," is a common surname with various spellings and variations across different cultures. Some of the common spelling variations of the last name Small include Smalle, Smalls, Smal, Smaal, and Smales. These variations might be influenced by regional dialects, accent changes, or historical orthographic changes over time. Furthermore, in different cultures and languages, there are transliterations or adaptations of the surname Small. For instance, in the German language, the last name Small is sometimes spelled Schmahl or Schmall. In the French language, it might be written as Le Petit or Lepetit, which also means "small" in French. The surname Small has a diverse range of spellings and variations due to its widespread usage and migration patterns throughout history. These diverse spellings reflect the linguistic diversity and historical influences that have shaped the various branches of the Small family name across different regions of the world.

Famous people with the last name Small

One of the famous personalities with the last name Small is Emilio Estevez. Emilio, born in 1962, is an American actor, director, and writer. He gained prominence during the 1980s through his notable roles in popular films such as "The Breakfast Club," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "Young Guns." He comes from a family involved in the entertainment industry, being the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor Charlie Sheen. Estevez has also stepped behind the camera, directing films like "Bobby" and "The Way." Additionally, American opera singer Beverly Sills, born Belle Miriam Silverman, adopted the stage name Beverly Sills after she married Peter B. Greenough, making her birth name Sills. Renowned for her soprano voice and remarkable career, Sills became one of the most celebrated opera singers in the United States throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Genealogical research on the last name Small

The genealogical research on the last name Small reveals an interesting ancestral history. The name Small is generally of English origin and is thought to have derived from a personal or occupational name. It has been found to have various spellings over the centuries, including Smal, Smalle, and Smael. Tracing back the Small family lineage unveils a diverse range of geographic origins and migration patterns. The research suggests that the Small family was predominantly settled in England, particularly in areas like Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Sussex. However, records also indicate Small families in Scotland and Ireland. Immigrants bearing the Small name have also been traced to North America during different time periods, specifically in places like New England and the southern United States. The Small family is known to have branched into various professions, including agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship, contributing to their communities throughout history. Delving deeper into individual family branches might uncover more specific ancestral facts and connections.