Small Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Small come from? What does the surname Small mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Small and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Small Origin: What does the last name Small mean?
The surname Small is of English and Scottish origin, deriving from the Old Norse term "Smålig" meaning someone who is narrow or thin. It first appeared in records in the United Kingdom during the early 15th century. Over time, the Small surname spread to the United States, becoming more prevalent in the 17th century. Today, the surname Small remains most common in the United States, with a notable presence in various regions globally.
YourRoots data confirms the early presence of the Small surname in the United Kingdom, with a significant shift in frequency to the United States in the 17th century. While specific countries for global spread are not provided, the surname Small is likely to be found in diverse regions worldwide, showcasing its widespread distribution and historical migration patterns.
Small Last Name History: Where did the last name Small come from?
Origin of Small Surname: Where does the last name Small originate from?
Based on YourRoots data, the earliest records of the surname Small were found in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, during the early 15th century. It's important to note that this data only includes records with the exact spelling of “Small” and does not account for other possible variations.
History of the Last Name Small: What does the Small surname history look like in the early days?
The surname Small was predominantly associated with England from the 15th to the 16th century. However, in the early 17th century, YourRoots data shows a shift in the frequency of this surname to the United States. This suggests that the Small surname began to spread more widely during this period, although the specific countries for this early growth are not specified in the data provided.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Small surname today?
From the 17th century onwards, an increase in the volume of records with the surname Small was observed in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. According to YourRoots data, the surname Small remains most prevalent in the United States today. Although the specific countries for the global spread are not provided in the data, the surname Small is likely to be found in various regions around the world based on historical migration and globalization trends.
Explore Small last name heritage and Small surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Small Surame?
Sharon Small
Sharon Small is a Scottish actress known for her work in film, radio, theatre, and television. Best known for her portrayal of Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, she has also starred in Law & Order: UK and Trust Me. Small was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in a 2022 revival of Good. She is the eldest of five children and studied drama in London. Small lives in London with her husband and two sons.
Heather Small
Heather Marguerita Small (born Jan 20, 1965) is a British soul singer known for her role as the lead vocalist of the band M People. Small's debut solo album, "Proud," released in 2000, catapulted her to international success with the title track becoming her signature song. Her contributions to iconic events like the 1997 Children in Need charity release and appearances on popular shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Biggest Loser have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the music industry. Small's career has spanned decades, showcasing her powerful vocals and enduring influence in the world of music.
Brendon Small
Brendon Small (born Feb 15, 1975) is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, and musician known for co-creating the animated series Home Movies and Metalocalypse. He is the main performer for the fictional band Dethklok, with four albums and occasional live shows. Small has released albums under his own name in a similar style to Dethklok. He has also appeared in various animated shows, hosted Guitar Superstar competitions, directed music videos, and attended the Golden Gods Awards. Small's diverse talents span comedy, music, and animation, making him a multi-faceted creative force in the entertainment industry.
Millie Small
Millicent Dolly May Small CD (6 Oct 1947 – 5 May 2020) was a Jamaican singer best known for her hit song "My Boy Lollipop" in 1964. She was the Caribbean's first international recording star, achieving mainstream success with Island Records. Small's ska style recording sold over seven million copies worldwide, making her an international sensation at just 17 years old. She toured globally, appeared on TV shows, and received a gold disc in New York. Despite health setbacks, she continued to perform and record, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
Mews Small
Mews Small (born Mary Edith Wilard Small) is an American actress and singer known for her versatile roles in film and television. From originating the role of Frenchy in the Broadway production of Grease to portraying memorable characters in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Woody Allen's Sleeper, Small has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. In addition to her acting career, she is also the lead singer of her band, Mews Small and The Small Band, showcasing her musical talents. Small's diverse talents and contributions to both acting and music have solidified her as a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
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