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The Smith Family Surname - History, Meaning, Origin, Famous People    Meaning : The Smith surname derives from the Anglo-Saxon word, "smitan" meaning smite or strike. Many Smiths worked as blacksmiths or men who work with metal. Variations : Smyth, Smythe, Schmidt Origins : England, Ireland, Scottland, Germany Brief History : Many types of smiths, not just blacksmiths existed in early times. Their prefix of their 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 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. The First Smiths or Schmidts to Migrate to America Upon arriving in America, many German and Irish immigrants assimilated with the dominate English population changed their names to the English synonym, Smith. Even some Native Americans communed with the early colonists using Smith as their chosen surname. The Smith surname found in each of the 50 United States, but a large majority are found in states such as, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia. Although, the Smith surname derives from the occupation of blacksmith, many Smith families found employment as farmers. Captain John Smith - Late 1500s - Helped Colonize Virginia and coined New England as the nickname for the new world colonies Rich Smith - 1638 - Arrived and then settled in Virginia Abigail Smith - 1673 - Granted land in Virginia Anna Marie Schmidt - 1710 - Arrived in the state of New York James and May Smith - 1718 - Arrived in the town of Boston, MA 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.   Joseph Smith Birth : Dec 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont A former NFL football star for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. During Emitt Smith's galant football career, his teams dominated the competition by winning three Super Bowl championships. After retiring from the game of football, Emitt Smith also earned the title of best celebrity dancer, while coupled with professional dancer Cheryle Burke, on the third season of the popular ABC television show, Dancing with the Stars.   Emitt James Smith III Birth : May 15, 1969 in Pensacola, Florida Death : April 15, 1912 Parents : Edward Smith and Catherine Hancock Marsh 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. Cool Products Complete Book of Heraldry Design Your Own Coat of Arms Are you looking to go back to the place of your roots?  With family Ireland tours it's fun and easy to plan ireland vacations for you and your loved ones.  Ireland travel is some of the best in the world so what are you waiting for? Personal Smith Family Surname Websites Henry Smith of Logan County, Kentucky Gottlieb Schmidt of Glotof in 1806 Contact us to add your link Make My Family Tree Guide Step 1 : Plan Step 2 : Research Step 3 : Organize Step 4 : Publish Step 5 : Advertise Interesting Facts About the Smith Surname Native Americans often assumed the common English name "John Smith" when communicating with English colonists. At about 1947, Anton "Tony" Weber, a German born immigrant, bought a butchershop called Smith's located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Weber family passed down its family owned sausage and hot dog business that became known as Smith's. Entertaining together since the 1980s, The Smith Brothers (Charlie, Jim, and Charlie Bob) have entertained guests at Dolly Parton's famous theme park, Dollywood, and their former theater, the Southern Nights Theater. Now you can enjoy their songbird talents at their new theater, The Smith Family Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

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