Smiley History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsScotland's western coastal mountains and the desolate Hebrides spawned the line of the Smiley family. The name Smiley was originally a nickname for a for a person noted for their smile, or happy personality. Smiley is thus, a nickname surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Nicknames form a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, and can refer directly or indirectly to one's personality, physical attributes, mannerisms, or even their habits of dress. The surname Smiley comes from the Old English word, smile, which means grin. Therefore, the surname Smiley would have been adopted by someone with a distinct smile, or grin. Early Origins of the Smiley familyThe surname Smiley was first found in Cumberland, a historic county of North West England, now known as Cumbria. Early History of the Smiley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Smiley research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1630, 1660, 1670, 1689, 1697, 1740, 1763, 1774, 1787, 1795, 1890 and 1968 are included under the topic Early Smiley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Smiley Spelling VariationsSpelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Smiley has been spelled Smiley, Smellie, Smyly, Smyley, Smilley, Smilie and many more. Early Notables of the Smiley familyAnother 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Smiley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Smiley RankingIn the United States, the name Smiley is the 1,375th most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 1 Migration of the Smiley family to IrelandSome of the Smiley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Smiley were among those contributors: Smiley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Smiley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Smiley Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
St. Francis Dam
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: Industria virtus et fortitudo Motto Translation: Industry, valor, and fortitude.
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