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An excerpt from www.HouseOfNames.com archives copyright © 2000 - 2013
Origins Available: English, Scottish Where did the English Smithy family come from? What is the English Smithy family crest and coat of arms? When did the Smithy family first arrive in the United States? Where did the various branches of the family go? What is the Smithy family history? Smithy is a name that was formed by the Anglo-Saxon society of old Britain. The name was thought to have been used for someone who once worked as a metalworker (the blacksmith). It is derived from the Old English word smid, probably derived form "smitan," which meant "to strike with a hammer." As metal worker was such a common and important profession in Medieval times, this name and its cognates are extremely widespread throughout the British Isles and Europe. However, there is some debate as to why the occupation of blacksmith would lead to such a populous surname. One might expect that Farmer, also an occupational name, but with far more people involved in the profession in the Middle Ages, would today be a much more populous surname than Smith. It is probably a futile exercise to try to establish a single source for this amazing, monumentally prolific surname.Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Smithy include Smith, Smyth, Smythe and others. First found in Durham, in present day Northumbria (North-Eastern England) where an Olde English version of the name is cited in circa 975, almost 100 years before the Normans would invade this part of England. This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Smithy research. Another 187 words(13 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1279, 1663, 1631, 1649, 1650, 1652, 1653, 1675, 1621, 1681, 1661, 1679 and 1679 are included under the topic Early Smithy History in all our PDF Extended History products. Another 153 words(11 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Smithy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products. Some of the Smithy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 105 words(8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products. Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Smithy were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Rich Smith, who settled in Virginia in 1638; Abbigall Smith, who was granted land in Virginia in 1673; James Smith and his wife Mary, who immigrated to Boston in 1718 with their children, Abel Smith, who came to Boston in 1763. The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Benigno Numine Motto Translation: By Divine Providence.
The Smithy Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Smithy Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname. This page was last modified on 26 October 2012 at 09:23. ©2000-2013 Swyrich Corporation. See Terms of Use for details. houseofnames.com is an internet property owned by Swyrich Corporation. Sign Up
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