Last Name Smith

The last name "Smith" is an occupational surname of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English word "smiþ", which means "one who works with metal." Thus, the name originally referred to individuals who were blacksmiths or metalworkers. Due to the prevalence of these professions in medieval society, the surname Smith became one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries. As a result, there are numerous variations and spellings of the name, such as Smythe, Schmidt, or Schmitt, reflecting regional and linguistic differences.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Smith

Regarding ethnic identity, the census data reveals that there were shifts among different groups between 2000 and 2010. The group identifying as White with the surname Smith saw a slight decrease in their percentage, going from 73.35% to 70.9%. On the other hand, those identifying as Hispanic and Two or more races saw the largest increases, rising by 53.85% and 34.36%, respectively. The percentage of Smiths identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander rose from 0.40% to 0.50%, while those identifying as Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native also saw small increases. This information is based on the Decennial U.S. Census data and shows the diversity and shifting demographics within the Smith surname in the United States.

	2000	2010	Change
White	73.35%	70.9%	-3.34%
Black	22.22%	23.11%	4.01%
Hispanic	1.56%	2.4%	53.85%
Two or More Races	1.63%	2.19%	34.36%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.85%	0.89%	4.71%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.4%	0.5%	25%

Smith ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Smith is British & Irish, which comprises 51.7% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (23.4%) and Eastern European (3.9%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Nigerian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	51.7%
French & German	23.4%
Eastern European	3.9%
Other	21.0%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Smith

The meaning and origin of the last name Smith

The surname Smith is one of the most common and widely recognized surnames in the English-speaking world. Derived from the Old English word "smyth," meaning "metalworker" or "blacksmith," the surname Smith originally referred specifically to individuals who worked with metal, shaping and forging it into tools, weapons, or other objects. As a result, the name Smith became a hereditary occupational surname, passed down from generation to generation within families engaged in the blacksmithing trade. Due to the crucial role blacksmiths played in communities, the surname Smith spread rapidly throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries. Consequently, geographic location and specific dialects may have led to variations in spelling such as Smythe, Smyth, or even Schmidt in German-speaking regions. Today, the surname Smith continues to be one of the most prevalent surnames worldwide, reflecting its historical significance and the enduring legacy of metalworking.

Geographical distribution of the last name Smith

The last name Smith is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries, and as a result, its geographical distribution is widespread. In the United States, this surname is most prevalent, with over 2 million individuals carrying the name. It is also popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The concentration of individuals with the last name Smith is primarily in urban areas due to the historical association of the name with professions like blacksmithing and metalworking. However, with the dispersal of people over time, Smiths can now be found in rural, suburban, and urban settings. The name also has a strong presence in some Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Norway, where it may be spelled slightly differently. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Smith reflects its widespread usage and long history across multiple English-speaking countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Smith

The last name Smith, a common surname of English origin, has several variations and spellings. Some variations include Smythe, Smithe, and Smeeth, all retaining the same pronunciation but showcasing a slight deviation in spelling. These variations can often be attributed to regional accents or dialects that might have influenced the way the name was recorded or transcribed throughout history. Additionally, the influence of migration and cultural assimilation has resulted in alternate spellings such as Schmidt (German), Schmitt (Dutch/German), or Schmiedt (Danish/German). Other possible variations could include MacGowan or Gowans (Scottish), Ferris (Irish), or Lefevre (French). Due to the simplicity and ubiquity of the name, individuals and families have had the opportunity to personalize or modify the spelling to stand out or reflect their unique identity. Consequently, the variations and spellings of the last name Smith demonstrate the fluidity and adaptability of surnames within different cultural contexts.

Famous people with the last name Smith

The last name Smith has been quite popular and has been associated with numerous famous individuals throughout history. One of the most notable figures with this surname is Will Smith, an actor and musician who has achieved great success in the entertainment industry, starring in various blockbuster films such as "Independence Day" and "Men in Black." Another renowned figure is Adam Smith, a Scottish economist and philosopher whose influential work, "The Wealth of Nations," laid the foundation for modern economics. In the world of sports, Emmitt Smith gained fame as a legendary American football player, holding records as the all-time leading rusher in the National Football League. Additionally, Patti Smith, a highly influential musician, singer, and poet, is recognized for her contributions to the punk rock movement in the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Smith

The surname Smith is an extremely common English last name, making genealogical research quite challenging. The name derives from the Old English word "smithe," meaning a worker in metal, particularly a blacksmith. As a result, many individuals adopted the name based on their occupation or familial connection to blacksmithing. Due to its prevalence, tracing the specific lineage of a Smith family can be arduous but not impossible. The earliest recorded reference to the Smith surname dates back to the 11th century in England. As a generic occupational name, Smith families can be found throughout various regions, making it difficult to determine a precise ancestral origin. To overcome these obstacles, genealogists must rely on personal records, family stories, and census information to establish connections and lineage. DNA testing has increasingly become a valuable tool in identifying potential relatives and breaking through brick walls that arise due to the ubiquity of the Smith name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Smith"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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