Smith Surname Last Name | Family Tree History, Meaning, Origin, Famous People Last Name Family History

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Smith Surname Last Name | Family Tree History, Meaning, Origin, Famous People

Meaning : The Smith surname is one of the most common surnames in the United States. The Smith surname derives from the Anglo-Saxon word, "smitan" meaning smite or strike. Many early people with the smith surname worked as blacksmiths or men who work with metal.

Variations : Smyth, Smythe, Schmidt

Origins : England, Ireland, Scottland, Germany

Brief History : The people in the smith family tree and with the Smith surname, not just blacksmiths, existed in early times. The prefix of the names depended on what type of material the metal worker used, a whitesmith uses tin, a brownsmith uses copper, a goldsmith uses gold, and a shoesmith works as a farrier or one who shoes horses.

Blacksmithing is one of the ealiest occupations that earned its prestige as one of the first careers that required knowledgable skills. Many blacksmith acquired great wealth because of the demand due to the only mode of transportation being a horse and carriage.

In addition to blacksmithing, many Smith family members took up arms as soldiers during the crusades and other monumental conflicts affecting the English speaking world. Throughout time, Smiths have colonized new lands, commandeered great ships, and earned prominence in the world of sports, poetry, and other forms of entertainment.

The Country Origins of the Smith Surname

The Smith surname primarily originates from such countries as England, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. Throughout the ages, the Smith surname maintains its position as the most popular surname in the United States and Great Britain. Still holding a great majority of Smith's or MacGowan's in Ireland, the country lists the Smith surname as 5th popular.

England : The first recorded holder of the Smith name is Ecceard Smid, residing in Durham County, England in 975 AD. The Smith surname is the most common in the English speaking world. Many have changed their existing name to become more like the English. Many variations of the name Smith have been formed in order for families to set themselves apart from the multitude of other Smith families.

Germany : The German variation of the Smith surname is Schmidt. The descendants of the Schmidt line derive from noble families in regions of Prussia, which later became what is known as Germany today.

Ireland / Scottland : The Smith surname used to describe the son of a smith is MacGowan. The MacGowan surname is very prevalent in Cavan County, Ireland. Although not many Smith or MacGowan family were famous, The Burkes' Guide to County Houses indicates that the Smith families owned an noticeably large number of grand estates in Ireland.

Famous and Notable People with the Smith Surname

John Smith
Birth :	1580
Death :	June 21, 1631
Fatherless at the age of 16, John Smith left home to fight for the King of England. At one point, he was captured and set to work as a slave, but he charmed his way out of that situation. In 1606, John Smith joined a team sailing on three ships for America, christened Discovery, the Susan Constant and the Godspeed, with the intent to colonize Virginia with profitable intentions. During his voyages to America, he is noted for socializing with Pocahontas, being the first to correctly map the north eastern coast of America, and persuading the English royals to officially call the new world, New England. John Smith died in England after chronicling his travels and adventures in many popular books.

Captain Edward John Smith
Birth :	Jan 27, 1850 in Hanley, England
Death :	April 15, 1912
Parents :	Edward Smith and Catherine Hancock Marsh
Honored by many as a world class sea captain, Captain Edward John Smith took the helm as the captain of the maiden and last voyage of the famous RMS Titanic. While sailing across the Atlantic from England to its port of destination in New York City, the RMS Titanic took a crippling blow from an iceberg at 11:40pm on April 14, 1912. After 2 hours and 40 minutes passed, the mammoth ship sank, killing approximately 1500 people including Captain Smith.

Will Smith Family
Birth :	Sept. 25, 1968 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Parents :	Willard and Carolyn Smith
A black performer with success in acting and rapping, Will Smith earns fame with his wife Jada and close Smith family connections.

Emitt James Smith III
Birth :	May 15, 1969 in Pensacola, Florida
Fatherless at the age of 16, John Smith left home to fight for the King of England. At one point, he was captured and set to work as a slave, but he charmed his way out of that situation. In 1606, John Smith joined a team sailing on three ships for America, christened Discovery, the Susan Constant and the Godspeed, with the intent to colonize Virginia with profitable intentions. During his voyages to America, he is noted for socializing with Pocahontas, being the first to correctly map the north eastern coast of America, and persuading the English royals to officially call the new world, New England. John Smith died in England after chronicling his travels and adventures in many popular books.

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