SMALLWOOD
Smallwood
Introduction
Smallwood is a surname of English origin derived from Old English words "smael", meaning small, and "wudu", meaning wood. The surname is locational, referring to someone who lived by a small wood or a wooded area. Smallwood is mainly found in the West Midlands and the surrounding areas but can be found throughout the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries.
History
The Smallwood surname has ancient roots in England, dating back to the early medieval period. The name's first recorded instance is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which is a survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. Over time, the surname became established as a hereditary family name passed down through generations.
During the Middle Ages, the Smallwood family was likely to have been landowners or farmers, with the surname often indicating a geographic origin or landholding. Smallwood families were recorded in various counties, including Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Cheshire. The name spread further afield as people migrated for economic opportunities or military service.
Notable Individuals
The Smallwood surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including:
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Joseph Smallwood (1900-1991): A Canadian journalist and politician, Smallwood was the first Premier of Newfoundland, serving from 1949 to 1972. He played a pivotal role in Newfoundland's entry into the Canadian Confederation.
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Clarence Smallwood: A British artist known for his landscape paintings capturing the beauty of the English countryside. Smallwood's works are held in private collections and galleries across the UK.
Present-Day
In modern times, the Smallwood surname continues to be passed down through generations, with bearers of the name scattered worldwide. The Smallwood name often represents a connection to English heritage and a link to the past.
Conclusion
The Smallwood surname is a testament to the enduring history of English surnames and the connections they create to people, places, and traditions. Whether through medieval landowners or modern-day professionals, the name Smallwood symbolizes a lineage shaped by the small woods and landscapes of England.
There are approximately 4,669 people named Smallwood in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,016th most common surname in Britain. Around 72 in a million people in Britain are named Smallwood.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Janet
- Jean
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.