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The surname Smith is an English occupational name for a worker in metal, from Middle English smith (Old English possibly a derivative of smitan 'to strike, hammer').

Metal-working was one of the earliest occupations for which specialist skills were needed, and its importance ensured that this name and its equivalents were perhaps the most widespread of all occupational surnames in Europe.

Medieval smiths were required not only in making horseshoes, plowshares, and other metal works, but most of all for their skill in forging swords, other weapons, and armor.

Smith is the most frequent of all American surnames.

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11y ago

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