Surname Smits - Meaning and Origin
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Smits: What does the surname Smits mean?
The last name Smits is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch occupational surname "smid", which means blacksmith. This name is found in both the Netherlands and Belgium, with records showing a person nicknamed "Smitte" having been living in Flanders, Belgium in 1694.
The family crest for the Smits name is a single gold star with two blacksmith's tongs in the center, set on a green shield. This is a reminder of the family's history as skilled blacksmiths. Over time, the name has become an important part of Dutch culture and is among the top 10 most common surnames in the Netherlands.
The Smits family is known for their hardworking and industrious nature. It is said that they are excellent at finding creative solutions to problems and never shy away from a challenge. They often take pride in their knowledge and experience and work tirelessly to secure a better future for their loved ones.
Today, the surname Smits is still largely associated with the Netherlands, although it can be found all over the world. It is a reminder of the origin of the family from a long line of blacksmiths with a strong work ethic. The original meaning of the surname Smits has endured, symbolizing the strength of the family's generations of hard work and dedication.
Order DNA origin analysisSmits: Where does the name Smits come from?
The last name Smits is most commonly found in the Netherlands. It is the most common surname there, accounting for around 10 percent of all surnames. Other countries that have significant populations of people with the last name Smits include Belgium, Germany, the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
The origin of the last name Smits is Dutch, with the name being derived from the occupational surname "smith" meaning "metalworker." There are variations of the name, such as Smidts, Smit, and Smid, all of which stem from the same root.
The popularity of the last name Smits in the Netherlands has only grown over time, likely due to the many family ties that are made through marriage. Dutch people with the last name Smits typically have relatives in other countries, particularly those which have had Dutch settlers.
In the modern age, there are a variety of industries and professions that employ people with the last name Smits. This is true both in the Netherlands and in other countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. These include businesses in the fields of finance, engineering, law, hospitality, IT, medicine, and education.
Overall, the last name Smits is very common in the Netherlands but can also be found in other parts of the world. It is likely to remain a popular name for years to come due to the deep family connections that many Dutch people have and the varied professions that Dutch people continue to pursue.
Variations of the surname Smits
The surname Smits is of Dutch origin and has several variants due to language and spelling conventions in different countries. The primary spelling is Smits but there are other common variants such as Smeets, Smets, Smitts, Smith, and two common Anglicised versions, Smythe and Smithe. The spelling Smeets is especially common in Belgium and elsewhere in French-speaking countries.
Other spellings of this surname are Smites, Smyts, Smit, Smitting, and Smetting, which were more commonly used in England and Scotland in the past. In Italy, the spelling is Smitez or Smitesi. In some areas of Germany, the surname is Strong, while in Luxemburg it is Schmit.
The common surnames of the same origin are Simms, Symms, Simonds, Simmons, Simons, Symonds, and Symons.
Surnames derived from the Dutch version include Smid, Smijts, Smedt, Smeijers, Smeijers, and Smidts. Common English surnames derived from the Smits include Small, Smalley, Smalls, and Smal. Other variants include Smythe, Smithe, Smithem, Smitt, Smitth, Smidt, Smut, Smath, and Smut.
In the United States, some of the most common variants of the name are Smits, Smith, Smythe, and Smithe. In addition, a combination of both versions is often seen in the same family, such as Smitsmith or Smithsmits.
Famous people with the name Smits
- Jimmy Smits: American actor best known for his roles in shows like L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, and Sons of Anarchy.
- Rene Smits: Dutch professor at Utrecht university in the fields of private law and legal history.
- Sandra Smits: Dutch racing cyclist who has won the European Championships twice.
- Geertruida Smits: Dutch librarian, art collector, and historian specializing in the Dutch East India Company.
- Thomas Smits: Dutch swimmer and world record holder in the 50 meter breaststroke.
- Willem Smits: Dutch author and television host.
- Fred Smits: Dutch footballer who has played for various clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Annelore Smits: Dutch sculptor and photographer.
- Laurens Smits: Dutch amateur footballer who has played his entire career for Zuid-Beijerland.
- Esther Smits: Dutch swimmer and former world record holder in the short course 400 meters individual medley.