Smetter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Smetter

Smetter is a name that was formed by the Anglo-Saxon society of old Britain. The name was thought to have been used for someone who once 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 Smetter family

Early History of the Smetter family

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

Smetter Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Smetter include Smithers, Smithies, Smythies, Smither and others.

Early Notables of the Smetter family

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

Migration of the Smetter family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Smetter were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: George Smither who settled in Virginia in 1652; Christopher Smithers settled in Maryland in 1704.