Where did the last name Smith come from?

Question

Does it have anything to do with being a blacksmith?

Answer 1

It's from merry old england. Smiths were men who worked certain trades: Tinsmiths, Goldsmiths, Coppersmiths. Blacksmiths were probably called that because of the soot and grime that probably covered their bodies. The last name described what they did. Sometimes it was to identify who their father was John's son Johnson, Stephen's son, Stephenson.

Answer 2

Some say the name Smith originally meant to smite as with the Roman Armies. This is perhaps why Smith is so common. The Roman armies had to do all their own sword making and metal fabrication, most of these people were also soldiers. Smiters perhaps became Smithers and shortened to just plain Smith. I m not saying it s gospel but it is another take on how the name possibly came to be.

Bobcat

Answer 3

The last name Smith did come from the word blacksmith, but silversmith, goldsmith etc etc as well. A smith was a craftsman, normally someone who worked with metals. In the middle ages people were known by their first names and occupations IE, James the miller, it then became James Miller.

Answer 4

I am a Smith and it did come from blacksmithing, goldsmith, ect. Most people took their last name based on the trade the performed. However, my father used to say that at the begining of time, everyone was named Smith and as they "goofed up" they had to change their name!!!

Answer 5

Smith was the name of severals trades

Answer 6

Not necessarily a blacksmith, but likely from a smith of some sort, and it would be hard to narrow down a specific town or village.

Answer 7

It originated from the trade a person had. As you have already said, a Blacksmith for one. Theres also tinsmith, and any trade that had smith attached to it.

Answer 8

well my last name is smith and my dad told me and i learnt at school that it would come from blacksmith...goldsmith...sliversmith, basicsally any1 who worked with metals. As the sons and daughters of these people would be called...the blacksmiths son or the goldsmiths daughter. I think this is where the name came from.

Answer 9

yes indeed it does the old name was smith afta the trade ands son of a smith,also wen the name went abroad it changed to smyth and so on.

Answer 10

Smith is english.