Smartman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Smartman

What does the name Smartman mean?

The name Smartman is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a person who was referred to as smeart which meant that the original bearer was quick and active. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. Nickname surnames were frequently the result of a spontaneous reaction to a particular occasion or event.

Early Origins of the Smartman family

The surname Smartman was first found in Suffolk, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Smartman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Smartman research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1422, 1488, 1569, 1612, 1624 and 1652 are included under the topic Early Smartman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Smartman Spelling Variations

Smartman has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Smartman have been found, including Smart, Smert, Smarte, Smartt and others.

Early Notables of the Smartman family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Smartman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Smartman family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Smartmans to arrive on North American shores: John Smart who settled in Massachusetts in 1635; another John settled in Jamaica in 1670; another John settled in Barbados in 1680 with his servants and brother Samuel also settling with his wife, child, and servants.

The Smartman Motto +

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: Virtus pre nummis
Motto Translation: Virtue is preferable to money.