Origin & Meaning of the Smallwood Surname
What does the last name Smallwood mean?
The surname Smallwood carries the meaning "From a woodland area." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,717 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Smallwood ranks as the #1,926 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Smallwood come from?
The Smallwood surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Smallwood name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Smallwood trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Smallwood |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a woodland area |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,926 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,717 |
| Per 100K People | 6.35 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Smallwood
According to the US Census, the Smallwood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,717 Americans with the Smallwood last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.67% |
| Black | 25.11% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 1.07% |
| Two or More Races | 2.54% |
Popularity of Smallwood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Smallwood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Smallwood surname increased by 490 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Smallwood
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