Find Vital Records Instantly!
Smith Family History
Smith Genealogy & Family TreeSmith is a Scottish/English surname from northern England, where the earliest known ancestor--Ecceard Smith--was recorded in 975. It comes from an Old English word meaning "one who works in metal" and "to strike," and referred to someone with the occupation of a smithy, a sort of handyman who was skilled in many trades, and also more specifically to a blacksmith. It is the most common surname in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia; the second most common in Canada; and the fifth most common in Ireland. Roots for this name can also be found in England, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany. It is also particularly common amongst African Americans due to many emancipated slaves adopting the name. Similarly, many Native Americans took on the name to deal with colonists, and many German Americans changed their names from Schmidt or Schmitz, particularly during the world wars to avoid discrimination. Because of its popularity, the name is often used to create a non-descript secret identity—a.k.a. John Smith. The family motto for Smith is semper fidelis, meaning “always faithful.”
Other spellings include “Smyth,” “Smethe,” “Smette,” “Smithe,” “Smithy,” and “Smythe.” Notable people with the surname include British actress Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey, Harry Potter), American colonist John Smith (most known for being saved by Indian princess Pocahontas), English sailor Edward John Smith (captain of the Titanic), American religious leader Joseph Smith (founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), and American model Anna Nicole Smith. The first Smith to come to America was Osmond Smith in Virginia in 1620.
Smith Birth Records
- Name Birth Date Death Date Location
- Margaret Smith -- --, 1507 November 16, 1584 England
- Madylin Smith -- --, 1560 December 0, 1610
- Mary Smith -- --, 1566 March 25, 1610
- Samuel Robert Smith -- --, 1734 September 6, 1798
- Anne Smith -- --, 1748 December 0, 1828 Virginia
Smith Death Records
- Name Birth Date Death Date Location
- Richard Smith -- --, 1583 December 0, 1669
- Dorothy Smith -- --, 1631 April 17, 1706
- William Thorton Smith -- --, 1772 December 0, 1832 Virginia
- Jane Jarrett Smith -- --, 1796 December 0, 1863 Virginia
- Richard Smith -- --, 1554 May 31, 1612 England
