Map of England showing where the Smiths arms are recorded
The Smiths arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Smiths arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Smiths Family in England
The surname Smith is an occupational name that originated from the Old English word *smitan*, which means to strike or smite. In medieval society, the smith was the most essential craftsman in any village because he forged the iron tools, horseshoes, and weapons required for daily life. Because metalworking was a vital trade practiced in every corner of England, the name became incredibly common and was adopted by families across the country. By the time members of the family were documented in York in 1620, the name had already been established for centuries as a mark of a skilled trade. These early ancestors in York likely lived in a bustling city center where their metalworking skills would have been in high demand for the local agricultural and trade industries. Over time, the name transitioned from a description of a person’s job into a permanent family identifier passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Smitan
Old English verb meaning to smite or strike with a hammer.
This name
SmithsOccupational surname for a metalworker or blacksmith who strikes metal into shape.
also spelled
Smyth
Smythe
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains’ Account Rolls, 1620
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