Show ContentsSmith History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

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

Smith World Ranking

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


United States Smith migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Smith Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Mr. John Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1611 aboard the ship "Elizabeth" 11
  • Mr. William Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "Sampson" 11
  • Mr. John Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1619 aboard the ship "Bona Nova" 11
  • Osmond Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1620 12
  • Capt.John Smith, British settler who arrived in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship "Abigaile" 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Elinor Smith, who landed in Virginia in 1704 12
  • John William Smith, aged 14, who landed in New York in 1711 12
  • Crispianus Smith, who landed in Virginia in 1712 12
  • Augustine Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1713 12
  • Ambrose Joshua Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Charles R Smith, who arrived in New York in 1801 12
  • Jenny Smith, aged 26, who arrived in New York, NY in 1803 12
  • Jeremiah Smith, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1803 12
  • M E Smith, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1804 12
  • Matt Smith, who arrived in America in 1805 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Joe Smith, who landed in Arkansas in 1904 12
  • Jens Nissen Smith, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1914 12
  • Charles Victor Smith, who landed in Alabama in 1918 12
  • Christian Anholm Smith, who landed in Wisconsin in 1922 12
  • Agnes Sybil Smith, aged 26, who arrived in Colorado in 1948 12

Canada Smith migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Smith Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
Smith Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • James Smith, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
  • James Smith, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Constantine Smith, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Mark Smith, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Martha Smith, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Donald Smith, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1801
  • James Smith, who landed in Canada in 1812
  • John Smith, who arrived in Canada in 1812
  • Neil Smith, who arrived in Red River, Canada in 1812
  • Michael Hayden Smith, who arrived in Canada in 1812
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Miss M A Smith, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Australia Smith migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants 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 15
  • 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 15
  • 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 15
  • 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 16
  • 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 16
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Smith Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. James Smith, (Oldfield), (b. 1780), aged 20, English rope maker who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1824 17
  • Mr. James Smith, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
  • Mr. John Smith, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
  • Mr. Robert Smith, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
  • Miss. Ann Smith, Irish convict who was convicted in Dundalk, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
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" 19
  • "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" 19
  • "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" 19

New Zealand 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 20
  • Mr. Samuel Smith, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1832 20
  • Mr. John Smith, Cornish settler travelling from Launceston, UK aboard the ship "Brazil Packet" arriving in Hokianga, North Island, New Zealand in 1836 20
  • 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.)

West Indies Smith migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 21
Smith Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Daniell Smith, (b. 1614), aged 20, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634
  • Mr. Thomas Smith, (b. 1617), aged 17, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634
  • Mr. Thomas Smith, (b. 1613), aged 21, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 12
  • Mr. Alexander Smith, (b. 1616), aged 18, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 12
  • Mr. Daniell Smith, (b. 1538), aged 96, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 12
  • ... (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"
  • 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
  • Richard H. Smith (1945-2024), American politician
  • Alexis Smith (1949-2024), born Patti Anne Smith, an American visual artist who worked in collage and installation
  • Robert "Bingo" Smith (1946-2023), American professional basketball player
  • Hampton Lee Smith (1934-2023), American football and baseball coach
  • Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith (1929-2023), American who was Prophet-President
  • Robert William Smith (1958-2023), American composer, arranger, and teacher
  • Kieran Smith (b. 2000), American swimmer, who won bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games
  • ... (Another 218 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 22
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Scott John Smith (1963-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Louisville, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 23
  • Mr. Rex V Smith (1949-1985), American Sergeant 1st Class from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 23
  • Mr. Clinton Duane Smith (1966-1985), American Private from Conyers, Georgia, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 23
  • Mr. Thomas E Smith (1965-1985), American Private 1st Class from Brooksville, Florida, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 23
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. Joseph Smith, British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 24
  • Mr. Harry Smith (d. 1914), British Assistant Saloon Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 24
  • Mr. Thomas John Smith, British Baker from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 24
  • Mr. Walter Beaumont Smith (d. 1914), British Bedroom Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 24
  • Mr. Albert E. Smith (d. 1914), British Engineer ex Empress of Asia from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 24
  • ... (Another 10 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Fraterville mine
  • Mr. John Smith (d. 1902), "Red", American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 25
  • Mr. Forrest Smith (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 25
  • Mr. Rob Smith (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 25
  • Mr. R. H. Smith (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 25
Grover Shoe factory
  • Mr. George E. Smith, American employee of the Grover Shoe factory in Brockton, Massachusetts on 20th March 1905 when the boiler exploded and collapsed the wooden building; he died 26
Halifax Explosion
  • Mrs. Annie  Smith (1860-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 27
  • Master Kenneth H  Smith (1917-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 27
  • Mrs. Agnes  Smith (1869-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 27
  • Mr. Harold Francis  Smith (1917-1917), Canadian resident from Cunard, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 27
  • Mrs. Bertha  Smith (1878-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 27
  • ... (Another 8 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hillcrest Coal Mine
  • Mr. Thomas Smith (1874-1914), English Miner from England, United Kingdom who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 28
  • Mr. Robert Smith (1885-1914), Scottish Miner from Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 28
Hillsborough disaster
  • Paula Ann Smith (1962-1989), English football supporter who was attending the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, Yorkshire when the stand allocated area became overcrowded and 96 people were crushed in what became known as the Hillsborough disaster and he died from his injuries 29
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Roy Somerville Smith (1921-1941), Australian Stoker from Gaythorne, Queensland, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 30
  • Mr. Ronald George Singleton Smith (1921-1941), Australian Engine Room Artificer 4th Class from Thornbury, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 30
  • Mr. Douglas William Charles Smith (1917-1941), Australian Engine Room Artificer 4th Class from Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 30
  • Mr. William Harrison Randall Smith (1913-1941), Australian Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class from East Richmond, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 30
  • Mr. Ernest Edward Frederick Smith (1920-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 30
  • ... (Another 7 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Cornwall
  • Thomas Gregory Smith (d. 1942), British Cook S aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 31
  • Joseph Smith (d. 1942), British Sick Berth Attendant aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 31
  • John William Smith (d. 1942), British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 31
  • Harry Smith (d. 1942), British Marine aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 31
  • Allan Cameron Smith (d. 1942), British Chief Stoker aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 31
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Dorsetshire
  • Ronald Smith (d. 1945), British Ordinary Seaman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 32
  • Frederick Thomas William Smith (d. 1945), British Leading Stoker aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 32
  • Allon Smith, British aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 32
  • Allan Nesbit Smith, British Sub Lieutenant (A) aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 32
HMS Hood
  • Mr. William G Smith (b. 1901), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. Walter H Smith (b. 1920), English Leading Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. Thomas Smith (b. 1922), English Ordinary Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Sunderland, County Durham, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. Thomas N Smith (b. 1920), English Stoker 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Odiham, Hants, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. Stephen R Smith (b. 1921), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Stoughton, Guildford, Surrey, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • ... (Another 18 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Wilkinson Smith, British Lieutenant Instructor, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 34
  • Mr. Harry Smith, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 34
  • Mr. George Smith, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 34
  • Mr. Alexander Smith, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking, also sailed aboard the HMS Sultan 34
  • Mr. Smith, British Stoker 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 34
  • ... (Another 8 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Walter Smith, British Petty Officer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 35
  • Mr. William Smith, British Petty Officer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and survived the sinking, but later died in December 1941 35
  • Mr. Alexander Smith, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 35
  • Mr. Ernest Smith, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 35
  • Mr. Richard Smith, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 35
  • ... (Another 8 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Royal Oak
  • William Smith, British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • John H. Smith, British Regulating Petty Officer with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • George Smith, British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • Arthur W. Smith, British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • E. Smith, British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • ... (Another 11 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Ibrox disaster
  • George Alexander Smith (1931-1971), Scottish football supporter, from Glasgow who was at the Ibrox disaster on 2nd January 1971 when a human crush among the crowd killed 66 and injured 200 people he died of his injuries 37
Lady of the Lake
  • Mr. Denis Smith (b. 1809), labourer who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and he died in the sinking
  • Mr. William Smith (b. 1811), Irish labourer from Coleraine, Northern Ireland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and he died in the sinking
  • Mr. Isack Smith (b. 1788), Irish labourer from Newton Stewart, Scotland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and he died in the sinking
  • Miss Matilda Smith (b. 1826), Irish traveller from Kilrea, Northern Ireland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and she died in the sinking
  • Miss Eliza Smith (b. 1807), Irish traveller from Kilrea, Northern Ireland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and she died in the sinking
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Monongah Mine
  • Mr. Dominick Smith (b. 1882), Italian coal miner who was in mine 8 at the Monongah mine on 6th December 1907 when it exploded and collapsed; he died 38
Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)
  • James Alvin Smith (1933-1988), American Passenger from New York, New York, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 39
  • Mary Edna Smith (1954-1988), American Army Sergeant from Kalamazoo, Michigan, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 39
  • Cynthia Joan Smith (1967-1988), American Student from Milton, Massachusetts, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 39
  • Ingrid Anita Smith (1957-1988), English Chiropodist from Berkshire, England, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 39
Prince of Wales colliery
  • Mr. Thomas Smith (b. 1848), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 40
  • Mr. Silas Smith (b. 1840), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 40
  • Mr. James Smith (b. 1864), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 40
RMS Lusitania
  • Mrs. Jessie Smith, American 1st Class Passenger from Braceville, Ohio, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 13 41
  • Mr. William Smith, English First Waiter from Walton, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 41
  • Mr. William Thomas Smith, English Intermediate 2nd Engineer from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 41
  • Mr. Peter Smith, English Master-at-Arms from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 41
  • Mr. Oliver Barrow Smith, English Ship's Cook from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 41
  • ... (Another 14 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. John Richard "Jago" Smith (d. 1912), aged 35, English Postal Clerk from Truro, England who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 42
  • Mr. Charles Edward Smith (d. 1912), aged 38, English Bed Room Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CGS Montmagny 42
  • Miss Katherine E. Smith, aged 42, English Stewardess from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in a life boat 42
  • Mr. Ernest George Smith (d. 1912), aged 27, English Chief Electrician from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 42
  • Mr. James M. Smith (d. 1912), aged 35, English Leading Fireman from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 42
  • ... (Another 7 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Senghenydd colliery
  • Mr. James Smith (b. 1882), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
SS Atlantic
  • George Smith, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • John Smith, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • Ralph Smith, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • Wm. Smith, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • Henry Smith, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • ... (Another 5 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
SS Caribou
  • Mr. Ronald Smith (b. 1923), Newfoundland passenger who was Royal Navy seaman from Norman's Cove-Long Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking
SS Southern Cross
  • Mr. Henry Smith (1896-1914), Newfoundlander from Long Pond who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
  • Mr. George Smith (1894-1914), Newfoundlander from Spaniard's Bay who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Harold F. Smith, American Boatswain's Mate Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 43
  • Mr. William H. Smith Jr., American Coxswain working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 43
  • Mr. Clyde C. Smith, American Chief Electrician's Mate working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 43
  • Mr. Roscoe B. Smith, American Gunner's Mate Third Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 43
  • Mr. Walter Tharnel Smith, American Mess Attendant Second Class from Mississippi, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 43
  • ... (Another 11 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Victoria steamboat disaster
  • Edwin Albert Smith, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
  • Harvey Smith, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
  • Mary J. Smith, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
  • Minnie Smith, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
  • Orville E. Smith, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881


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.

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