1584 - Arms-SMITH
Recorded in the spellings of Smith, Smithe, Smythe, and the patronymics Smiths, and Smithson, this is the most popular surname in the English speaking world by a considerable margin. Of pre 7th century Anglo-Saxon origins, it derives from the word 'smitan' meaning 'to smite' and as such is believed to have described not a worker in iron, but a soldier, one who smote. That he also probably wore armour, which he would have been required to repair, may have lead to the secondary meaning. The famous Anglo-Saxon Chronicles sometimes known as the first newspaper, in the 9th century a.d. uses the expression 'War-Smith' to describe a valiant warrior, whilst the later medieval Guild List of specialist trades has blacksmith, whitesmith, tinsmith, goldsmith and silversmith amongst its many members, but no trade of 'smith'.
| File name | Arms-SMITH.jpg |
| File Size | 8.4k |
| Dimensions | 160 x 160 |
| Linked to | Catherine Smith; George Smith; James Smith; Mary Ann Smith; Mayor of Exeter Mayor Robert Smith, Jr; Richard Smith; Robert Smith, Sr; Robert Smith, III; Robert Smith, IV; Robert Garvays Smith, III; Robert Garvays Smith, II; Robert Garvays Smith, II; Thomas Smith; Thomas Sydney Smith; William Smith; Joan Smyth; Joan Smyth; John Smyth; John Smyth; Margaret Smyth; Richard Smyth; William Smyth; 2nd Viscount Strangford Philip Smythe; Sir John Smythe; Sir John Smythe; 1st Viscount Strangford Sir Thomas Smythe |
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