Here are some possible origins of the name:
* Near a small village or settlement: "Small" could refer to a village that was small in size or population compared to other settlements in the area.
* Near a small field or meadow: The name could indicate that the person lived near a piece of land that was smaller than the surrounding fields.
* Near a small hill or rise: "Small" could refer to a hill that was not particularly large or prominent.
Other possible meanings:
* Descriptive of a person's size: While less common, the name "Small" could also have been given to someone who was of short stature.
* Occupational: The name could have also been an occupational surname, referring to someone who worked with small items, such as a tailor or a jeweler.
Variations:
* The name "Small" can also be found in variations like "Smalls," "Smalley," "Smallwood," etc. These variations could indicate that the family originated from a specific location or had a particular occupation.
Overall, the name "Small" is a very common surname, and its origin is likely rooted in a place name that described a small or insignificant location.