Surname Smalls - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling My Past: A Reflection on the Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on My Family Identity as a Smalls

The results from my iGENEA DNA test have forged a transformative link between my surname Smalls, my sense of self and connection to my ancestry. These revelations have fundamentally shifted my perception of my family identity, knitting together cultural tapestry that stretches across continents, generations, and historical epochs.

J. Smalls

Smalls: What does the surname Smalls mean?

The last name Smalls is of British origin, deriving from an Old English word 'smal'. The term was used to describe someone of slender stature or someone who was considered small or short. It's not uncommon for surnames to have originated from nicknames or descriptors which were based on individuals' physical characteristics, occupations, or geographical locations. Over time these nicknames turned into surnames and passed down generations. Despite its more common formation in England, the surname Smalls is now found in many parts of the world due to migration and the spread of the English language. Famous individuals with the surname Smalls include American model Joan Smalls, and Civil War hero, Robert Smalls.

Smalls: Where does the name Smalls come from?

The last name Smalls is most commonly found within the United States. The surname Smalls can be found in most areas along the east coast of the US. It is particularly common in the states of South Carolina and Georgia. However, it is also seen in smaller populations across the rest of the country.

In South Carolina, the Smalls family has been part of the state's history since the 1700s, the earliest known records of the Smalls surname in the did state date back to 1721. Smalls genealogy is prevalent in many of the coastal communities of South Carolina, ranging from Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County to Charleston to Summerville in Dorchester County.

In Georgia, the Smalls family has a long and rich history. It has been found to be one of the most common surnames among African Americans, with a large number living in the coastal communities of Savannah, St. Simons Island, and Brunswick.

The name Smalls can be found in other parts of the country, especially in places where African Americans have lived for generations. There are significant numbers of the surname found in the Midwest, particularly in Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It can also be found less commonly in states like California, New York, and Texas.

Variations of the surname Smalls

The surname Smalls is a patronymic name derived from the Gaelic personal name Seamas, also known as James. Variants of the surname Smalls include Small, Smalley, Smail, Smal, Smailes, Smales, Semels, Samels, and Simals. Spelling variations of the surname Smalls include Smal, Small, Smail, Smale, Smalle, Smaill, Smalley, Smayle, Smayll, Smael, Smahl, Smale, Smaels, Smalles, Smayles, Smayles, Smailes, and Smaill. It is also thought to have come from the Prussian word 'schmal', which means 'small' or 'narrow'.

The Smalls family originated in the Scottish Highlands and spread to many countries such as the United States, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In the United States, the Smalls surname is most often found in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, as well as the city of New York.

The Smalls family has many branches such as the Smalls of Aberdeenshire, Smalls of Angus, Smalls of Banffshire, and Smalls of Falkirk. In Scotland, the Smalls of Torosay were a branch of the MacLaine family of Lochbuie. They are believed to have descended from one Ebhrick Small, who lived on the island of Islay in the 17th century.

The Smalls family also has many branches that have adopted other variant spellings of the surname, such as Smail and Smalley. Other branches include the Smales of Wearcroft, Cheshire and the Simons family who may have descended from a Smalls family member.

Famous people with the name Smalls

• Biggie Smalls (born Christopher George Latore Wallace), the American rapper from Brooklyn, New York.
• Pee Wee Smalls (born Alonzo Jackson), a noted R&B singer and songwriter from Norfolk, Virginia.
• Tony Smalls (born Anthony Stewart), a disc jockey and promoter from Willingboro, New Jersey.
• Malice (born Gene Elliott Thornton Jr.), a rapper from Norfolk, Virginia, who is a member of the hip-hop duo Clipse, alongside his brother Pusha T.
• Oran "Juice" Jones, the singer and song writer from The Bronx, New York, best known for his song "The Rain".
• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the famous actor and wrestler from Hayward, California.
• Macklemore (born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty), an American rapper from Seattle, Washington, who is known for his single "Thrift Shop".
• Dave Smalley (born David Chad Smalley), an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, who was the lead singer of late 1990s punk rock band ALL.
• Felix Mallard, the Australian actor known for his roles in the Netflix series "Daybreak" and the Nickelodeon series "The Happy Nest".
• Princess Eugenie, a member of the British royal family and the younger daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York.

Other surnames

SmallSmallerSmalleySmallieSmallwoodSmally