How common is the Smalley surname?

There are approximately 9,000 people with the surname Smalley in the United States.

Are there Smalley soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 318 soldiers with the Smalley surname appear in Civil War records.

Smalley

Q: What does the surname Smalley mean?

The surname Smalley means "Derived from a place name or descriptive term referring to a small clearing or settlement.". It is of English, topographic or descriptive origin.

Topographic

Meaning

Derived from a place name or descriptive term referring to a small clearing or settlement.

Etymology

From Old English 'smæl' (small) combined with 'leah' (clearing, meadow). The surname originated as a topographic reference to a small clearing or field.

About the Smalley Surname

A topographic surname indicating residence in or near a small clearing or meadow. The name reflects the medieval practice of naming settlements by size and landscape features.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 9,000 bearers in the United States #1,209 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in England and English-speaking regions, particularly North America.

Smalley Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Smalley Surname

H.A. Smalley

1830–1903 Col. Massachusetts

Quick Facts

Origin: English, topographic or descriptive
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: 12th century England
Estimated Bearers: 9,000

War Records

318 soldiers with the Smalley surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →