Small — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #861 in the US 40,212 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#861
▼ Down 180 since 2000
People in the US
40,212
13.63 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Small Surname

What does the last name Small mean?

The surname Small carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 40,212 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Small ranks as the #861 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Small come from?

The Small surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Small name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Small trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Small
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #861
US Count (2010) 40,212
Per 100K People 13.63
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Small

According to the US Census, the Small surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,212 Americans with the Small last name.

White 62.66%
Black 30.81%
Hispanic 2.61%
Asian/PI 0.58%
Native American 1.41%
Two+ Races 1.93%
Ethnic distribution of the Small surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White62.66%
Black30.81%
Hispanic2.61%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.58%
Native American1.41%
Two or More Races1.93%

Popularity of Small Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Small surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#681
45,850 people
Down 180
Census 2010
#861
40,212 people

The number of Americans with the Small surname decreased by 5,638 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Small Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Small ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Small

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Small.

Other Unknown Surnames

Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Small.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small

The surname Small is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Small is ranked #861 in the United States with approximately 40,212 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Small surname is distributed as: 62.7% White, 30.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Small ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

People searching for information about the Small surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn