SMALLEY
Smalley
Smalley is a surname that originated in England, believed to have derived from a place name. The name refers to the village of Smalley in Derbyshire, which is recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Smaleleia' in the 11th century. The village's name likely comes from the Old English words "smael" meaning narrow, and "leah" meaning clearing, indicating a narrow clearing.
The surname Smalley is found across various regions of England, with historical records showing concentrations in Derbyshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. Individuals with the surname Smalley have historically been involved in a variety of professions, including farming, mining, and craftsmanship.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Smalley include George Smalley (1819–1870), a renowned journalist and war correspondent, and Thomas W. Smalley (1922–2000), a prominent British mathematician known for his work in algebraic groups.
Through its historical significance and widespread distribution, the surname Smalley remains a part of British heritage and genealogy, reflecting the diverse roots and occupations of families across the country.
There are approximately 4,905 people named Smalley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,926th most common surname in Britain. Around 75 in a million people in Britain are named Smalley.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Christine
- Claire
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.