Find out how popular the last name Smalling is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Smalling.

Smalling, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Smalling surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Smalling in America

Smalling is the 16789th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Smalling surname appeared 1,701 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Smalling.

We can also compare 2010 data for Smalling to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Smalling

The surname Smalling originated in England, specifically in the Yorkshire region. It is derived from the Old English words "smal" and "inga," meaning "small" and "people," respectively. This suggests that the name initially referred to a group of people who lived in a small settlement or were of small stature.

The earliest recorded instance of the Smalling surname can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was documented as "Smalinga." This ancient record provides valuable insights into the historical roots of the name and its prevalence in medieval England.

During the Middle Ages, several variations of the name emerged, such as Smallinge, Smalling, and Smalynge. These variations were often influenced by regional dialects and the scribes' interpretations of the name's spelling.

Historically, the Smalling family held lands and properties in Yorkshire and surrounding areas. One notable member of the family was Sir Robert Smalling, who lived in the 14th century and served as a knight in the service of King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War.

In the 16th century, the Smalling surname was found in various records, including the parish registers of Ecclesfield, Yorkshire. During this period, the name was sometimes associated with place names such as Smallingfield or Smallingthwaite, which further reinforced its connection to small settlements or localities.

Another prominent figure bearing the Smalling surname was John Smalling, born in 1612 in Yorkshire. He was a respected scholar and theologian who authored several religious texts and served as a rector in the Church of England.

In the 18th century, the Smalling family continued to maintain a presence in Yorkshire and surrounding regions. One notable individual was William Smalling (1728-1801), a successful merchant and landowner who played a significant role in the local community.

As the centuries progressed, the Smalling surname spread across England and beyond, with families bearing this name contributing to various aspects of society, including agriculture, trade, and public service.

Throughout its history, the surname Smalling has been associated with a rich tapestry of individuals, each leaving their mark on the communities they called home. While the name's origins can be traced back to the Yorkshire region, its legacy has transcended geographical boundaries, becoming a part of the diverse cultural fabric of England and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Smalling

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Smalling.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Smalling was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Smalling has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Smalling was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Smalling, please contact us.

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