Show ContentsSmith History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Smith Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Smith

What does the name Smith mean?

The Smith surname derives from the Irish Gaelic name Mac an Ghabhain, which means "son of the blacksmith." As such, the name was probably originally occupational. It has often appeared in its Anglicized form Smith.

Early Origins of the Smith family

The surname Smith was first found in County Cavan, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity. The Irish name MacGowan (not to be confused with the Scottish, which roots from MacGoun) is most often hidden under the ubiquitous name Smith. In Irish, the name is Mac an Ghabhain, which means 'son of the blacksmith'; thus its translation to Smith. In England, Horsington Manor in Somerset was owned by the Gowens family from sometime in the 1500s through 1653 when it was sold.

Early History of the Smith family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Smith research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1659 is included under the topic Early Smith History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Smith Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Smith, MacGowan, McGowan, MacGowin, McGowin, MacGowen, McGowen, Gow, Gowan, Gowen, Gowin, MacGavin and many more.

Early Notables of the Smith family

  • bearers of the Irish name MacGowan, O'Gowan and Smith

Smith World Ranking

Australia, the name Smith is the 1st most popular surname with an estimated 212,493 people with that name. 1 However, in New Zealand, the name Smith is ranked the 1st most popular surname with an estimated 13,667 people with that name. 2 And in the United Kingdom, the name Smith is the 1st popular surname with an estimated 566,946 people with that name. 3 Canada ranks Smith as 1st with 192,145 people. 4 Quebec, Canada ranks Smith as 178th. 5 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Smith as 3rd with 1,521 people. 6 The United States ranks Smith as 1st with 2,501,922 people. 7 France ranks Smith as 861st with 5,920 people. 8 Netherlands ranks Smith as 347th with 4,490 people. 9 South Africa ranks Smith as 22nd with 125,534 people. 10

Smith migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Miss Isabella Smith, (b. 1765), aged 23, British convict convicted in Kent, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for felony, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 11
  • Miss Margaret Smith, (1766 - 1827), aged 22, British convict convicted in Liverpool, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
  • Miss Rebecca Smith, (1752 - 1791), aged 34, British convict convicted in Exeter, Devon, England in 1786, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
  • Mr. Ambrose Smith, British settler convicted at Gloucestershire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
  • Miss Ann Smith, British settler convicted at Worcestershire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
Second Fleet
  • Miss Ann Smith, (b. 1764), aged 26, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing fabric, transported aboard the ship "Mary Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. Edward Smith, British settler convicted in Buckinghamshire, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "William and Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. Edward Smith, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. Henry Smith, British settler convicted in London, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing fabric, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. George Smith, (1762 - 1816), aged 28, British settler convicted in Surrey, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "William and Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
Third Fleet
  • Mr. Thomas Smith, (b. 1764), aged 23, English convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire on 21st April 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788, he died aboard the ship 12
  • Mr. William Smith, English settler convicted in Oxford, Oxfordshire on 4th June 1783, sentenced for 14 years for felony, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
  • Mr. Edward Smith, (b. 1756), aged 31, English settler convicted in London on 14th March 1785, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
  • Mr. William Smith, (b. 1758), aged 29, English settler convicted in London on 16th March 1786, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
  • Mr. Thomas Smith, (b. 1757), aged 30, English settler convicted in London on 22nd March 1785, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Smith Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mrs. Ann Smith, (nee Overy), (b. 1750), aged 37, English convict who was convicted in Winchester for theft, transported aboard the "Charlotte" on 13th May 1787, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she was moved to the Charlotte, she died in 1837 12
  • Miss Hannah Smith, (b. 1758), aged 29, English convict who was convicted in Gloucester. Glouceser Quarter Sessions for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Charlotte" on 13th May 1787, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1826 12
  • Mr. William Smith, (b. 1755), aged 32, English convict who was convicted in Dorchester Assizes for 7 years for burglary, transported aboard the "Charlotte" on 13th May 1787, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1830 12
  • Mr. John Smith, English convict who was convicted in Worcester, Worcestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • Mr. John Smith, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Smith Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • "Miss Hannah Smith, (b. 1810), aged 18, English servant who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 16
  • "Miss Maria Smith, (b. 1806), aged 22, English needle woman who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for house breaking, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 16
  • "Miss Mary Ann Smith, (b. 1806), aged 22, English servant who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, daughter of Ann Rolph" 16

Smith migration to New Zealand +

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:

Smith Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Michael Smith, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1831 17
  • Mr. Samuel Smith, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1832 17
  • Mr. John Smith, Cornish settler travelling from Launceston, UK aboard the ship "Brazil Packet" arriving in Hokianga, North Island, New Zealand in 1836 17
  • Charles Smith, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836
  • William Smith, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Smith (post 1700) +

  • Kathryn Elizabeth "Kate" Smith (1907-1986), American singer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, best known for her rendition of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America"
  • Albert Merriman Smith (1913-1970), American newspaper reporter and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Willard Carroll "Will" Smith Jr. (b. 1968), American actor, rapper, and film producer nominated for five Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, and has won four Grammy Awards, best known for The Fresh Prince, as well as blockbuster movies The Pursuit of Happyness, I, Robot and Bad Boys
  • James Smith (1719-1806), of Pennsylvania, one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence
  • Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith (1962-2025), Australian Indigenous poet, as Charmaine Green she worked as a visual and installation artist
  • Penny Smith (b. 1995), Australian sports shooter, who competed at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics
  • Patrick Smith OAM (1952-2023), Australian sports journalist and Walkley award recipient
  • Lieutenant Colonel Harry Arthur Smith SG, MC (1933-2023), senior officer in the Australian Army, seeing service during the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War, the Officer Commanding D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (D Coy, 6 RAR) during the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966
  • Leslie Charles "Les" Smith (1934-2023), Australian rules footballer who played with Collingwood in the Victorian Football League (1952-1954)
  • ... (Another 266 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Air New Zealand Flight 901
  • Miss Betty Louise Smith (1933-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Whangarei, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 18
  • Mr. Scott John Smith (1963-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Louisville, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 19
  • Mr. Rex V Smith (1949-1985), American Sergeant 1st Class from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 20
  • Mr. Clinton Duane Smith (1966-1985), American Private from Conyers, Georgia, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 20
  • Mr. Thomas E Smith (1965-1985), American Private 1st Class from Brooksville, Florida, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 20
  • ... (Another 254 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Smith 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: Tenebras expellit et hostes
Motto Translation: He drives forth the darkness and the foe.

Suggested Readings for the name Smith +

  • Andrew M. and O.S. Smith, Sons of Maine and Nebraska Homesteaders by Claude R. Wiegers.
  • Kinfolk of Henry Smith (1846-1887).
  • Pioneer Heritage: the Smith Family by Marguerite Esther Smith.
  1. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  2. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  3. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  6. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  7. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  8. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
  10. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  11. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  12. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/charlotte
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
  17. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  18. Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
  19. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550

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