Surname Smoak - Meaning and Origin

Smoak: What does the surname Smoak mean?

The last name Smoak is of English origin and is believed to derive from the Middle English term "Smoak," which describes someone who worked as a maker of small wares. These wares could include a variety of items such as needles, pins, buttons, and laces, among others. The term Smoak can also be connected to the Old English word "Smoc," which translates to 'smock' or 'dress'. "Smoc" was traditionally a female garment worn over the wearer's regular clothes. Therefore, the surname Smoak could also be occupational for someone who made smocks. As with many surnames, it can be linked to a specific location, job, or characteristic of an original bearer. It is also linked with the Jewish Ashkenazic surname Schmuk, which translates to 'jewelry' or 'someone who deals with ornaments'. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings can change and evolve over centuries.

Smoak: Where does the name Smoak come from?

The last name Smoak is common today in the United States, particularly in the southern and southeastern states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 1,213 Smoaks living in the United States. The majority of these Smoaks (622 people) live in Florida, followed by North Carolina (279 people).

Smoak is also found in sizable numbers in Georgia (189 people), South Carolina (156 people), and Virginia (53 people). Other states where the name is found include Mississippi (16 people), Texas (13 people), Alabama (8 people), and California (8 people). It is also found in Canada, with 59 individuals living in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

The name is believed to be of French origin, though the exact origin is uncertain. It is thought that the name may have arisen from the French word “Esmaque,” which means “means of protection” or “security.” It may also be related to the Old French name “Smac” which means “free man.”

The Smoak surname is uncommon outside of the United States. However, it is fair to say that, in the U.S., it can be found in certain states, particularly in the southern and southeastern parts of the country.

Variations of the surname Smoak

The surname Smoak is a rare Anglo-Saxon name, with several variants, alternate spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Most commonly, the Smoak surname is found in the spelling "Smoak", but it can also be found as "Smoke", "Smokey", "Smock", "Smocks", "Smokk", "Smog", and "Smauk". In some cases, when the surname was taken from the Old Norse, it can be spelled "Smolke" as well.

Smoak is also known by a few different hyphenated surnames, such as "Smoak-Smoke", "Smoak-Smokey", and "Smoak-Smock". In some countries, where the Smoak name has been altered for easier pronunciation, it can be found as "Smokeau", "Smokeaux", or "Smokea".

The surnames of the same origin as Smoak include "Smock", "Smothers", and "Smolke". The surname "Smocks" is derived from "Smoke" and has roots in the British Isles, while "Smothers" comes from an English topographical name and "Smolke" is a German name.

Due to the rarity of the Smoak surname, there are no common nicknames associated with it, aside from those mentioned above. However, these nicknames are often used as a way to distinguish multiple bearers of the same surname.

Famous people with the name Smoak

• Stephen Amell: Canadian actor who portrays Oliver Queen/The Hood/The Arrow on the television series Arrow
• Quinton Jeffery: American child actor who has appeared in several television shows including The Thundermans, Liv and Maddie, and Shameless.
• Madelyn Cline: American actress who portrays Sarah Cameron in the Netflix series Outer Banks.
• Audrey Whitby: American actress, comedian and writer who starred in Disney Channel sitcom So Random!
• Stratford Johns: British actor who was a regular character in the BBC police drama Z-Cars and its spin-off Softly, Softly.
• Henry Slesar: American author of plays and short stories, best known for having written material for radio and television.
• Emily Smith: Canadian fiddle player and singer who has released two studio albums and performs with her band the Emily Smith Band.
• Jeff Smoak: American talk radio host and self-help author who has written books such as Alpha Male Revolution and Winning in Life.
• Stephen Smoak: Former Major League Baseball player who played first base for the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
• Aaron Smoak: American professional wrestler who is currently signed to AEW and also wrestles for promotions around the United States.

Other surnames

Smoaks