Surname Smithlin - Meaning and Origin
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Smithlin: What does the surname Smithlin mean?
The last name Smithlin is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from a personal name, in this case the name “Smith”. The suffix "-lin" is a variation of the latin suffix "-ling" which is typically used to denote son of, though sometimes it is confusingly used for both “son of” and “daughter of”. Therefore the surname Smithlin could be interpreted as indicating someone who is the son of a Smith (however, it is currently impossible to determine the original bearer’s gender).
Additionally, the surname Smithlin is likely of Old English origin, given that the name Smith is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the English word “smitan”, referring to a specialized skilled worker, such as a blacksmith or goldsmith. Therefore, the name Smithlin can be seen as a medieval occupational name, which indicates an individual from a family of skilled workers.
Though the origin and meaning of the surname Smithlin is limited to an interpretation of the word’s component parts, it is a strong and proud name which has come to represent hardworking and tenacious people. Those bearing this surname can find a sense of pride in its meaning and its link to the roots of England.
Order DNA origin analysisSmithlin: Where does the name Smithlin come from?
The surname Smithlin is primarily found in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the US, the surname is most commonly found in the Southern and Midwest parts of the US. It is among the top 1000 surnames in Texas and Alabama, and the top 2000 surnames in Arkansas and Tennessee.
In the UK, Smithlin is a rarer surname than the United States. There are no reliable figures for its usage in the UK, but it is believed to be much less frequent than the US.
The Smithlin surname is also found in other countries around the world, although much less frequently. It appears in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico and some other countries.
The Smithlin surname is more common among those descended from the British Isles, particularly England and Scotland. The Smithlin name is primarily of English and Scottish origin and is derived from the combination of the English and Scottish names Smith and Lynn. The current distribution matches that of the once common Smith and Lynn families.
Variations of the surname Smithlin
The surname Smithlin is a patronymic name derived from the Middle English and Old English given name Smith (or Smyth). It is found mainly in England and Scotland, and may even originate from the Anglo-Saxon word "smite", meaning to strike or smite.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Smithlin include Smithlenn, Smithen, Smittin, Smythin, Smitlin, Smitlein, Smitlen, Smittel, Smetlenn, Smetlenne, Smetlene, Smeteling, Smitten, Smetin, Smettel, Smittelle, and Smitlenne.
In some cases, variants of Smithlin may have been changed or "Americanized" over time due to immigration. In this case, names such as Smithson and Smithfield may be used instead. Similarly, Smedley and Smeathers have been used as alternatives.
The earliest variants of Smithlin can be traced to the 13th century in Devon, England. A survey of the 1901 census found the greatest concentration of Smithlins in the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Cornwall, and Devon.
Though the spelling of the surname Smithlin has remained largely unchanged throughout its history, variants of the name are still used today in various parts of the world. Whether you are looking for a Smithlin or one of its variants, the history behind the name can give you insight into the unique background and heritage of the family it represents.
Famous people with the name Smithlin
- Brett Smithlin: Former Canadian professional association Football player.
- Mike Smithlin: Former Major League Baseball Player who worked for the San Francisco Giants.
- Paul Smithlin: Musician, composer and songwriter.
- Justin Smithlin: American television actor best known for his role as “Lamont” in The Jeffersons.
- Sarah Smithlin: British royal biographer and journalist.
- Robert Smithlin: Professional golfer who has won multiple amateur events.
- Austin Smithlin: American actor best known for his leading role in the television series The Inbetweeners and the ensemble comedy We’re the Millers.
- Donna Smithlin: American television actress known for her appearances on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Northern Exposure, and As the World Turns.
- Lauren Smithlin: White House Senior Advisor in the Obama administration.
- Tyler Smithlin: Professional basketball player from the United States currently playing for the Utah Jazz.