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The surname Smith derives from the occupation of metal working in years gone by.
Counter intuitively the name Smith is so common now, and it's equivalents (eg Ferrari, La Forge, Singh,) in every country, because Smiths where rare years ago.
Two things that need to be considered.
When surnames where first needed the second name needed to be a distinctive label.
and,
Years ago people lived and worked in far smaller geographies maybe less than 20 miles.
In a small area there would have been very few Smiths so would it have been a good distinctive label, whereas using a label of for instance 'farmer' would have been useless as there would have been so many.
Now in a County you have many, many small areas each with people called Smith, when multiplied up this became the most common surname over the whole Country.
Add this to the likelihood that Smiths where relatively rich and therefore had a greater number and more healthy children.
It is then just a simple numbers game and why the name Smith is so common.
What else can I help you with?
Why is the name John Smith so common?
Reason is because John Smith is my uncle and its in the Holy Bible
What nationality is the name Smith or Smythe?
Originally it was an English name. But "Smith is about the 10th most common name in Ireland---and being named "Smith" or "Smyth" in Ireland does not necessarily mean one is of English descent. The Irish name O'Gowan meant the same as "Smith" (ie "metal worker"). Many Irish families simply changed their name to "Smith". So it is an English and an Irish name.
What role did john smith play in the Vietnam war?
John Smith is a common US name; he was a US Serviceman.
Is smith an Irish surname?
No, Smith is an English surname. Smith was the fifth most common surname in Ireland. The Irish name MacGowan (Mac an Ghabhain) was widely changed to "Smith" in Co. Cavan. In east Ulster O'Gowan was changed to "Smith". Gabha means "smith" in Irish.
What country does the last name Dietrich come from?
The last name Dietrich comes from Austria. It is very common in Austria and Germany, it is like the last name "Smith".
Why is the name John Smith so common?
Reason is because John Smith is my uncle and its in the Holy Bible
What is Most common last name in the US?
Smith is the most common.
Most common name smith or Jones?
Smith
Why was Smith Street changed to Tompion Street in Clerkenwell?
Smith was too common a name. So named street after a Mr Tompion
Is Alex Smith related to Joseph Smith?
Not sure but he is on a mission to the ruin the 49ers!!!!
What is the most common name in the US?
According to the 1990 Census of the US:* The most common last name is Smith * The most common boy's name is James * The most common girl's name is MaryFirst name: James Last name: Smith
What is the most common family name Chang Smith or Sue Kim?
The most common family name is Smith. Chang and Kim are more common as last names in Asian cultures, while Smith is a more common surname in English-speaking countries.
Why are there so many people called Smith in Scottland?
The surname Smith is common in Scotland, as it is derived from the occupational name for a blacksmith. Blacksmithing was a prevalent trade historically, leading to many people adopting the name Smith. Additionally, the practice of using surnames based on one's profession was common throughout Europe, further contributing to the prevalence of the name Smith in Scotland.
What nationality is the name Smith or Smythe?
Originally it was an English name. But "Smith is about the 10th most common name in Ireland---and being named "Smith" or "Smyth" in Ireland does not necessarily mean one is of English descent. The Irish name O'Gowan meant the same as "Smith" (ie "metal worker"). Many Irish families simply changed their name to "Smith". So it is an English and an Irish name.
What Is The First Common Last Name?
Smith
What is a common American last name?
Smith
What is the most common English last name?
Smith is the most common.
