This ancient family name is without doubt the most popular in Britain today, and can be traced back to the earliest times, often with different spellings. Aelfword pe Smith lived in Somerset in 1100; William le Smyth is listed in the Assize Rolls in Somerset in 1275; a Julian le Smithes was living in Oxfordshire in 1279.
It was only during the 11th Century that the use of surnames was introduced to the British Isles by the Normans. They were usually local (a place or landmark), patronymic ("son of"), a trade or profession name, or a nickname.
Smith is an occupational name, from the Old English word "smid" meaning blacksmith, farrier, metal worker. It could also mean someone who worked at a smithy, as Thomas de la Smythe in Sussex in 1313."
Motto) "The ancient motto was SEMPER FIDELIS (Latin) meaning 'Always faithful'
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