Smarsty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Smarsty

What does the name Smarsty mean?

The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Smarsty come from its first bearer, who was a person who was referred to as smeart which meant that the original bearer was quick and active. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. Nickname surnames were frequently the result of a spontaneous reaction to a particular occasion or event.

Early Origins of the Smarsty family

The surname Smarsty was first found in Suffolk, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Smarsty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Smarsty research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1422, 1488, 1569, 1612, 1624 and 1652 are included under the topic Early Smarsty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Smarsty Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Smarsty has been spelled many different ways, including Smart, Smert, Smarte, Smartt and others.

Early Notables of the Smarsty family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Smarsty Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Smarsty family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Smarstys to arrive in North America: John Smart who settled in Massachusetts in 1635; another John settled in Jamaica in 1670; another John settled in Barbados in 1680 with his servants and brother Samuel also settling with his wife, child, and servants.

The Smarsty 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: Virtus pre nummis
Motto Translation: Virtue is preferable to money.