Last Name Smithson

The surname Smithson is of English origin and is derived from the occupational name "smith". It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is based on the male ancestor's name. In this case, "son of Smith." The occupational name "smith" refers to a skilled worker who works with metal, such as a blacksmith or silversmith. The addition of "son" indicates that the individual is the son of a blacksmith or someone associated with that trade. Over time, the name has evolved to its modern form, Smithson.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Smithson

From an ethnic identity perspective, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals some shifts between 2000 and 2010. The percentage of Smithsons identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander increased by 39.47%, though they only represent 0.53% of all Smithsons in 2010. Similarly, those reporting two or more ethnicities rose slightly to 1.53%, an increase of 4.08%. Meanwhile, the proportion of white Smithsons declined by 1.17% but still represented a dominant 88.68% in 2010. There was also a notable increase of 40.98% in the Hispanic population, taking their share to 1.72%. The percentage of Black Smithsons increased modestly by 6.70% to 6.69%. Finally, the American Indian and Alaskan Native group witnessed a decrease of 8.60%, making up 0.85% of Smithsons in 2010.

	2000	2010	Change
White	89.73%	88.68%	-1.17%
Black	6.27%	6.69%	6.7%
Hispanic	1.22%	1.72%	40.98%
Two or More Races	1.47%	1.53%	4.08%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.93%	0.85%	-8.6%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.38%	0.53%	39.47%

Smithson 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 Smithson is British & Irish, which comprises 57.6% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.6%) and Eastern European (3.7%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, Nigerian, and Indigenous American.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	57.6%
French & German	21.6%
Eastern European	3.7%
Other	17.1%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to King Louis XVI

The rule of France by men of the House of Bourbon began with King Henri IV in 1589 C.E. and continued until the beheading of his direct paternal descendant King Louis XVI in 1793. Several years ago, researchers analyzed a mummified head and a blood-soaked cloth that they believed might belong to the two kings, and concluded that the royal paternal line belonged to haplogroup G. In a more recent study, however, a different set of researchers tested three living men who are direct descendants of the Bourbon kings. Their efforts revealed that the male lineage of the House of Bourbon is actually a branch of haplogroup R-M405.

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 Smithson

The meaning and origin of the last name Smithson

The surname Smithson derives from the Old English personal name "Smið" and the patronymic suffix "-son," meaning "son of the blacksmith." The occupation of a smith was highly esteemed during medieval times, as blacksmiths played a vital role in crafting important tools, weapons, and armor. Consequently, the surname Smithson indicated a lineage or association with the blacksmith trade. The name Smithson can be traced back to early medieval England, where the practice of hereditary surnames was beginning to emerge. These surnames were often based on occupation, location, or a patronymic origin. In this case, Smithson identified individuals who were the sons of blacksmiths, and the name gradually became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Over time, Smithson may have spread to other English-speaking countries through migration, resulting in variations in spelling and pronunciation. This name serves as a reminder of an ancestral connection to the skilled and respected profession of the blacksmith.

Geographical distribution of the last name Smithson

The last name Smithson is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, it has a significant presence, especially in England, where it originated. Major English cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham have a notable concentration of individuals with the surname Smithson. In the United States, the name is relatively common, with concentrations in areas of English settlement, such as the northeastern states, particularly New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Other regions with a higher prevalence of the Smithson surname include the southern states, such as Texas, Florida, and California. Additionally, due to migration and the dispersion of families over time, individuals with the last name Smithson can also be found in other English-speaking countries, like Canada and Australia, as well as in countries influenced by British colonial history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Smithson

The last name Smithson can have several variations and spellings. One common variation is Smythson, which retains the phonetic sound of "Smith" but replaces the "s" with a "y." Another variation is Smitson, where the "h" is dropped, leading to a shorter and slightly different pronunciation. Spellings with double letters can also occur, such as Smithsson or Smythsson, emphasizing a stronger emphasis on the sound of the double "s." Additionally, the name can appear with the prefix "Mc" or "Mac," transforming it into McSmithson or MacSmithson, particularly seen in Scottish or Irish lineages. Another spelling variation includes Smithsen, altering the last syllable to "sen," providing a distinct touch. These variations may stem from regional accents, language adaptations, or historical changes, resulting in various spellings of the same surname. Overall, the name Smithson can manifest in different ways without altering its basic meaning and origin.

Famous people with the last name Smithson

James Smithson is perhaps the most famous individual bearing the last name Smithson. As an English chemist and mineralogist, James Smithson is renowned for his remarkable bequest to the United States. Upon his death in 1829, he left his entire fortune to establish the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., a world-renowned educational and research institution. This act of generosity and commitment to scientific and cultural advancement has left an indelible mark on American society. Furthermore, Robert Smithson, an influential American artist associated with the land art movement, is also notable. His artworks, including the iconic and monumental "Spiral Jetty" in Utah's Great Salt Lake, have revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with nature. These Smithsons have truly left a lasting impact on the world, showcasing talent, philanthropy, and innovation within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Smithson

The Smithson family name has a rich and intriguing genealogical history. It is derived from the occupational name "smith," which referred to a skilled worker in metal, particularly iron. This surname has ancient roots and can be traced back to medieval England, where blacksmiths played a crucial role in crafting weapons, tools, and armor. The Smithson lineage has spread across various regions and countries over time, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Australia. Notably, the most renowned bearer of the Smithson name is James Smithson, an English scientist who bequeathed his fortune to establish the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., one of the world's largest museum and research complexes. Through genealogical research, many branches and scattered records have been discovered, showcasing the widespread impact and legacy of the Smithson family name. This research often involves uncovering birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, historical documents, and even DNA testing to link individuals and generations together, providing a comprehensive understanding of the fascinating Smithson family history.

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