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Origin of Last Name Little

Introduction

The last name Little is a common surname in English-speaking countries. It is estimated that there are over 100,000 people with the last name Little in the United States alone. The origin of the Little surname is interesting and has a rich history. In this article, we will explore the origins of the Little surname and its significance in genealogy.

Etymology of Little

The surname Little is derived from the Old English word 'lytel,' which means 'small' or 'little.' The name was likely given to someone who was small in stature or had a small piece of land. It is also possible that the name was given to someone who had a small amount of wealth or was of low social status.

Geographical Distribution

The Little surname is most commonly found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the Little surname is most common in the southern states, particularly in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In the United Kingdom, the Little surname is most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Famous People with the Last Name Little

There have been many famous people throughout history with the last name Little. Some of the most notable include: 1. Malcolm Little, also known as Malcolm X, was a civil rights activist and leader in the Nation of Islam. 2. Stuart Little, a fictional character in the children's book of the same name by E.B. White. 3. Little Richard, a musician and songwriter known for his contributions to rock and roll. 4. Little Eva, a singer known for her hit song 'The Loco-Motion.' 5. Little Walter, a blues musician known for his harmonica playing.

Genealogy and Family History

The Little surname has a rich history in genealogy and family history. Many people with the last name Little have traced their ancestry back several generations and have discovered interesting stories and connections to their past. One notable Little family is the Little family of Maryland. This family can trace their ancestry back to Richard Little, who was born in England in 1620 and immigrated to Maryland in the 1650s. The family played an important role in the development of Maryland and the United States, with many members serving in government and the military. Another notable Little family is the Little family of North Carolina. This family can trace their ancestry back to William Little, who was born in Scotland in 1720 and immigrated to North Carolina in the 1750s. The family played an important role in the development of North Carolina and the United States, with many members serving in government and the military.

Conclusion

The Little surname has a rich history and interesting origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'lytel,' which means 'small' or 'little.' The surname is most commonly found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Many people with the last name Little have traced their ancestry back several generations and have discovered interesting stories and connections to their past. The Little family of Maryland and the Little family of North Carolina are just two examples of the many notable Little families throughout history.