UK surname
A diminutive surname indicating small stature or size.
In the 1881 census there were 65 people recorded with the Smally surname, ranking it #24,420 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 14, ranked #37,178, down from #24,420 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Flintham, Somerby, Ropsley (Little Humby) and Wigan. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Smally is 157 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 78.5%.
1881 census count
65
Ranked #24,420
Modern count
14
2016, ranked #37,178
Peak year
1861
157 bearers
Map years
2
1861 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Smally surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Smally surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 93 | #17,946 |
| 1861 | historical | 157 | #14,732 |
| 1881 | historical | 65 | #24,420 |
| 1891 | historical | 139 | #19,311 |
| 1901 | historical | 61 | #27,379 |
| 1911 | historical | 64 | #26,435 |
| 1997 | modern | 8 | #37,372 |
| 1998 | modern | 7 | #37,533 |
| 1999 | modern | 4 | #38,100 |
| 2000 | modern | 5 | #37,823 |
| 2001 | modern | 8 | #37,124 |
| 2002 | modern | 6 | #37,532 |
| 2003 | modern | 4 | #37,951 |
| 2004 | modern | 4 | #38,013 |
| 2005 | modern | 5 | #37,885 |
| 2006 | modern | 5 | #37,956 |
| 2007 | modern | 4 | #38,169 |
| 2008 | modern | 5 | #38,027 |
| 2009 | modern | 7 | #37,816 |
| 2010 | modern | 9 | #37,654 |
| 2011 | modern | 9 | #37,598 |
| 2012 | modern | 13 | #37,169 |
| 2013 | modern | 12 | #37,342 |
| 2014 | modern | 14 | #37,161 |
| 2015 | modern | 12 | #37,371 |
| 2016 | modern | 14 | #37,178 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Flintham, Somerby, Ropsley (Little Humby), Wigan, Manchester and Preston. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flintham | Nottinghamshire |
| 2 | Somerby, Ropsley (Little Humby) | Lincolnshire |
| 3 | Wigan | Lancashire |
| 4 | Manchester | Lancashire |
| 5 | Preston | Lancashire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Smally surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Smally, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Smally surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Smally household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Smally is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Smally is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Smally, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname "SMALLY" is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "smæl," meaning "small" or "slender." The name likely emerged in the 12th or 13th century as a descriptive nickname for someone of small stature or a thin build.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, dated 1242, which mentions a Roger Smally. In the 13th century, the name was also recorded in various forms, such as Smaleye, Smaley, and Smalye, reflecting the variations in spelling common during that time.
The Smally surname is closely associated with the county of Gloucestershire, where it is believed to have originated. However, it also spread to other parts of England, including Yorkshire and Oxfordshire, as families migrated or established new branches.
In the 14th century, the name appeared in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Returns of 1379, which recorded a Johannes Smally residing in the village of Easingwold. This document provides evidence of the name's presence in the northern regions of England during that period.
During the 16th century, the Smally name gained prominence with the birth of Thomas Smally (1537-1599), a notable English clergyman and author. Smally served as the Archdeacon of Middlesex and published several theological works, including a translation of Calvin's sermons on the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Another prominent figure bearing the Smally surname was Sir Edward Smally (1618-1686), an English politician and landowner. He served as a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire and played an active role in the political affairs of his time.
In the 18th century, the Smally name gained further recognition through the achievements of James Smally (1720-1792), a celebrated painter known for his portraiture and landscapes. His works were highly regarded and can be found in various art collections throughout England.
The 19th century saw the birth of William Smally (1818-1890), a renowned architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the iconic Royal Albert Hall. His contribution to the city's architectural landscape is still widely appreciated today.
While the Smally surname may not be among the most common in England, it has a rich history spanning several centuries and has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, from religion and politics to art and architecture.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Smally surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 19 Smallys recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.65x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Lancashire | 19 | 2.65x |
| Leicestershire | 8 | 11.93x |
| Lincolnshire | 8 | 8.27x |
| Yorkshire | 8 | 1.33x |
| Middlesex | 7 | 1.16x |
| Cheshire | 5 | 3.75x |
| Dorset | 3 | 7.56x |
| Nottinghamshire | 3 | 3.68x |
| Northumberland | 1 | 1.11x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Manchester in Lancashire leads with 11 Smallys recorded in 1881 and an index of 34.09x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 11 | 34.09x |
| Attercliffe Cum Darnall | 6 | 107.53x |
| Brinnington | 5 | 400.00x |
| Evington | 5 | 5555.56x |
| Gainsborough | 3 | 131.58x |
| Gillingham | 3 | 441.18x |
| Islington London | 3 | 5.12x |
| Oldham | 3 | 12.95x |
| Sapperton | 3 | 10000.00x |
| Burnley | 2 | 33.11x |
| Cuckney | 2 | 1666.67x |
| Paddington London | 2 | 8.99x |
| Blackburn | 1 | 5.24x |
| Doncaster | 1 | 22.83x |
| Friskney | 1 | 322.58x |
| Fulstow | 1 | 833.33x |
| Halsham | 1 | 2000.00x |
| Harworth | 1 | 909.09x |
| Norton Juxta Twycross | 1 | 1250.00x |
| Oadby | 1 | 277.78x |
| St George Hanover | 1 | 12.67x |
| Stoughton | 1 | 3333.33x |
| Toxteth Park | 1 | 4.12x |
| Twickenham | 1 | 38.61x |
| Weetslade | 1 | 625.00x |
| Wigan | 1 | 9.97x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Smally surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Smally surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Smally households.
FAQ
In 1881, 65 people were recorded with the Smally surname. That placed it at #24,420 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 14 in 2016. That gives Smally a modern rank of #37,178.
A diminutive surname indicating small stature or size.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Smally bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.