Last Name Smithers

Learn more about the origin of the last name Smithers

The meaning and origin of the last name Smithers

The surname Smithers is an English occupational name derived from the Old English word "smið" which means 'blacksmith' or 'smith'. Over time, the name evolved with variations such as Smither, Smithe, and Smith(er)s. The addition of the suffix "-er" may have been used to indicate that the person was a servant or apprentice in the blacksmith trade. The name first appeared in recordings during the mid 12th century and remained popular throughout England due to the high demand for blacksmiths in various sectors such as agriculture, warfare, and construction. Smithers is also known as a common surname in Ireland, where it may have originated from Norman or Anglo-Irish settlers who brought the name with them during the medieval period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Smithers

The surname Smithers is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in England and Wales. According to data from FamilySearch, it is most frequent in counties such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Durham. In the United States, Smithers is also relatively common, particularly in states with a strong English ancestry like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. It can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, where many English immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller populations of Smithers can be found in other English-speaking countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Smithers

The surname Smithers has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Here are some of the common variants:

1. Smithers - This is the most commonly used form of the name, which originates from a metronymic name (a name based on the mother's first name) derived from the Middle English given name Smithe or Smith.
2. Smythers - A less common variation of the surname Smithers, featuring the 'y' instead of 'i'.
3. Schmitters - A Germanized variant of the original English surname Smithers.
4. Schmidt-hers - Another Germanized form that combines the German surname Schmidt with the English name Hers or Smithers.
5. DeSmithers - A Frenchized form of the surname, featuring the preposition 'de' before it, which is common in French surnames.
6. McSmithers - An Anglicized version of a Gaelic surname, similar to Mac Shamhradháin, meaning "son of the smith."
7. O'Smithers - Another anglicized form of the Gaelic name, this time featuring the preposition 'O', which can be found in Irish and Scottish surnames.
8. Smithes - A rare variant that simply omits the 'r' from Smithers.
9. Smither - An alternative spelling without the 's' at the end of the name, though this is less common than Smithers.

Famous people with the last name Smithers

Notable individuals with the surname Smithers include Rip Taylor (an American comedian and game show host), Barbara Smithers (a British academic specializing in the history of medieval art and architecture), and Waylon Smithers, a fictional character from the animated television series The Simpsons, who is an assistant to Mr. Burns. Although not as famous as the other two, Smithers' character has gained widespread recognition due to the show's popularity.

Genealogical research on the last name Smithers

The Smithers surname is of Old English origin, derived from the occupational name "smith," referring to a blacksmith, and the Middle English word "eres," meaning plow. Notable figures with the last name Smithers include Sir Walter Raleigh, an Elizabethan explorer and courtier, and James Bond's butler, Mr. Smithers, from the James Bond series. The Smithers family originated in England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, before migrating to the United States during colonial times. In the U.S., significant Smithers settlements were found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The family's migration continued throughout the 19th century, with many Smithers arriving in Canada and Australia as well. Today, Smithers is a common surname globally, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Smithers"
• 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 : 28 July 2025