What is a surname example?

Surname: Smith

Origin: Smith is an Old English occupational surname, derived from the word "smitan", which means "to strike or hit". The name originally referred to a person who worked as a blacksmith, creating metal objects using a hammer and anvil. Over time, the surname spread to other trades that involved metalworking or crafting, such as goldsmiths, silversmiths, and coppersmiths.

Distribution: Smith is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world, with a global population of around 4 million people. It is particularly common in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In fact, Smith is the most common surname in Australia and the second-most common surname in the United States and the United Kingdom, after Jones.

Famous people with the surname Smith:

• Will Smith, American actor and rapper
• Adam Smith, Scottish economist and philosopher
• Maggie Smith, British actress
• Sam Smith, British singer-songwriter
• John Smith, English explorer and colonial governor of Virginia
• Patti Smith, American musician and poet

Coat of Arms: The Smith coat of arms features a silver shield with three blacksmith's hammers arranged in a V-shape. Above the shield is a helmet with a black visor, and on either side of the helmet are two gold griffins. The motto on the banner beneath the shield reads "Semper Fidelis", which means "Always Faithful".