LITTLE
Little
Origin: The English surname Little is of toponymic origin, derived from the Middle English word "lytel," meaning small or little. It would have originally been a nickname for a person of small stature.
Distribution: The surname Little is found primarily in the United Kingdom, most prominently in England and Scotland. However, due to migration patterns, it can also be found in countries with historical ties to the UK, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals:
- Bobby Little (1928-1998) - British actor known for his roles in classic British films of the mid-20th century.
- Sara Little (born 1975) - Scottish author known for her novels set in the Scottish Highlands.
- James Little (1787-1862) - English inventor credited with several key innovations in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
Coat of Arms: The Little family coat of arms features elements such as a gold chevron, symbolizing protection, and a black lion, symbolizing strength. The motto "Pro aris et focis" translates to "For hearths and altars," signifying loyalty and protection.
Variants: Variants of the surname Little include Littel, Lyttle, and Littell.
Genealogy: Tracing the genealogy of the Little surname reveals a long history with branches extending across various regions in the UK and beyond. Genealogical records can provide insights into family connections, migrations, and historical events involving individuals bearing the name Little.
There are approximately 25,227 people named Little in the UK. That makes it the 320th most common surname in Britain. Around 387 in a million people in Britain are named Little.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.