Smithen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Smithen comes from one of the family having worked as a person who worked as a smith or smitty (blacksmith). 1 2 During the Middle Ages smiths were important for their skill in making horseshoes, ploughshares as well as swords, other weapons and armour. Occupational names that were derived from the common trades of the medieval era transcended European cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Early Origins of the Smithen family

The surname Smithen was first found in Warwickshire where John Smythiere was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1379. 3

Early History of the Smithen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Smithen research. Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Smithen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Smithen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Smithen have been found, including: Smithers, Smithies, Smythies, Smither and others.

Early Notables of the Smithen family

More information is included under the topic Early Smithen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Smithen family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Smithen, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : George Smither who settled in Virginia in 1652; Christopher Smithers settled in Maryland in 1704.

Citations +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)