Origin & Meaning of the Smith Surname
What does the last name Smith mean?
The surname Smith carries the meaning "Metalworker or blacksmith, one of the oldest English occupational surnames." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,442,977 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Smith ranks as the #1 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Smith come from?
The Smith surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Smith name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Smith trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Smith |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Metalworker or blacksmith, one of the oldest English occupational surnames |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,442,977 |
| Per 100K People | 828.19 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Smith
According to the US Census, the Smith surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,442,977 Americans with the Smith last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.9% |
| Black | 23.11% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.89% |
| Two or More Races | 2.19% |
Popularity of Smith Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Smith surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Smith surname increased by 66,771 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Smith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smith
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