Smith
Smith: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /smɪθ/
Meaning and origin of Smith
Root meaning: “a surname”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From smith or Middle English Smith (“a surname”), alternative form of Smyth, itself from smyth (“smith”). Doublet of Schmidt, Smid, and Smit.
How popular is Smith?
Since 1880, 189 girls and 5,475 boys in the U.S. have been named Smith (3% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #7375 in 2018. Its highest rank for boys was #326 in 1885. In 2025, 128 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Smith
Sister and brother names that share Smith's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Smith FAQ
What does the name Smith mean?
Smith traces back to a root meaning "a surname". A male given name transferred from the surname. From smith or Middle English Smith (“a surname”), alternative form of Smyth, itself from smyth (“smith”). Doublet of Schmidt, Smid, and Smit.
What is the origin of the name Smith?
Smith is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Smith?
Since 1880, 189 girls and 5,475 boys in the U.S. have been named Smith (3% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #7375 in 2018. Its highest rank for boys was #326 in 1885. In 2025, 128 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Smith a boy or girl name?
Smith is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 189 girls and 5,475 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.