Surname Smet - Meaning and Origin
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Smet: What does the surname Smet mean?
The last name Smet is of Dutch and Belgian origin, and has both patronymic and occupational origins. It is derived from the Dutch and German word 'smit' which translates to 'metalworker'. This name is also found in several Northern European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany and Finland, and originates from the medieval occupational name for a blacksmith.
However, the surname has also been historically used as a patronymic name. In this case, Smet is derived from the Dutch given name Smet, a short form of the name Simon or Sint. Simon translates to 'God has heard', and has Hebrew origins.
The surname Smet has also been historically found in France, although usage seems to be relatively uncommon. It is thought to be derived from the French verb smetter, which means 'to waste; to lose; to ruin; to destroy'; thus, the surname was adopted as an occupational name to refer to a destructive or ruinous worker.
Today, the surname Smet is seen as a unisex name all over the world. It is most commonly found in colorful countries such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France. In the United States, it is most common in California, Oregon, and Texas.
Order DNA origin analysisSmet: Where does the name Smet come from?
The surname Smet is most common in Belgium, but is also found in other European countries like France and the Netherlands. It is even found worldwide, as far-reaching as the United States, Canada, and South Africa.
It is believed that the surname originated from a Dutch word meaning ‘good’ or ‘generous’, describing those who were known for generous traits. It is also thought to have links to alternative spellings such as Smid, Schmet, Schmidt, and Smith.
In Belgium, the majority of Smets are concentrated in the east, particularly in Flemish and Walloon regions such as Brussels, Limburg, and Antwerp. As of 2018, it is the 129th most common last name in the country and is most popular in rural areas. It is also particularly common in the town of Glons and the municipality of Bertogne.
Elsewhere in Europe, the last name Smet is particularly common in France and the Netherlands. In France, it is especially frequent in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. In the Netherlands, the province of Groningen has the highest concentration of people with this name.
Outside of Europe, the surname is found in countries like the United States, Canada, and South Africa. In the United States, the largest population of people with the last name can be found in California.
While the last name is not particularly popular worldwide, it has been in existence for centuries and its heritage is deeply-rooted in European culture.
Variations of the surname Smet
Smet is a Dutch and Belgian surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle Dutch word "smede", meaning "smith" or "metal worker". It is commonly found as a toponymic surname in Flanders, with the variants Smets, Smet, Smetsers, Smetse, Smetter, and Smetten. The oldest-known recording is that of Johan Smet of Schoorl, dated 1227.
Variants of Smet include Smeets, Smeets, Smits, and Smiddes, the latter derived from the Middle Dutch for "blacksmith". Spelling variants include Smeet, Smite, and Smitt.
Smet is often found with the patronymic as a prefix, such as Jan Willemszoon Smet. Other surnames of occupational origin which developed from this root include Visscher, Molenmaker, and Putman.
In addition to its Dutch-language origins, Smet may also be an Anglicized form of the German Smeid, derived from the Low German smiet, meaning "metal worker". Anglified variants such as Smote and Smoate may also be found in the records of English-speaking countries.
Smet is also written as Smeets, Smetts, Smethers, Smettes, and Smittens in areas where Flemish or Walloon languages are spoken. In the Germanic world, it is written as Smeeths and Smits.
In the United States, the common spelling of the surname today is Smit, due to Americanization of the spelling. In other countries, Smet continues to be the more-popular spelling.
Famous people with the name Smet
- Jef Smet: Belgian entertainer and actor who became popular on the Belgian television show "The Electric Company".
- Andres Smet: Chilean painter and sculptor who is a master of abstract expressionism.
- Paul Smet: Belgian fencer who won a gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Baroness Hilde van Smet: Belgian politician who was an active member of the Green Party.
- Dr. Marc Smet: Belgian dermatologist who is a leader in skin care research.
- Eddie Smet: Dutch DJ and producer who gained notoriety for his ability to play many different musical styles.
- Dave Smet: Swiss-born French electronic music producer who has released several albums.
- Inge Smet: Belgian handball player who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- Jean-Philippe Smet: French singer-songwriter more popularly known as Johnny Hallyday.
- Jan Smet: Flemish journalist and writer who was awarded the Prix de la Langue française in the Netherlands.