Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Smith
BoyEnglish, Old English· “metalworker”
- Meaning
- metalworker
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- SMIHTH
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,483
- US babies 2025
- 120
- Best rank
- #326 (1885)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Smith
Smith is an English and Old English name that means “metalworker”.
Smith is the English occupational surname for a metalworker, from the Old English smið, one who works with metal, especially a blacksmith. It is among the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. As a given name it fits into the trend of trade names like Mason and Carver. Because smiths were needed in almost every village, the surname arose independently in many places, which is why it is so widespread. Related occupational surnames include Goldsmith and Whitesmith, and the German Schmidt and Italian Ferraro come from the same trade.
Popularity over time
Smith has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 50 different years. Its best national rank was #326 in 1885, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 162 were named Smith. In 2025, 120 babies were named Smith, and it ranked #1,483 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #811 in 1920, #1,651 in 1950, #3,586 in 1980, #3,288 in 2000, #1,866 in 2010, and #1,483 in 2025. Of the 5,475 US boys named Smith since records began, 23% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 719 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Oskar, Ishmael, Linus, Ruger, and Abdulrahman.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Smith ranked highest in North Carolina, Alabama, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #566 | 18 |
| Alabama | #677 | 7 |
| South Carolina | #728 | 6 |
| Georgia | #784 | 12 |
| Tennessee | #1165 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 93% of US babies named Smith over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Smith is usually pronounced SMIHTH, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-th”.
Middle names for Smith
A few middle names that flow with Smith: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Smith
Similar names
Heath Boy
HEETH
“heath, open land with heather” · English
#932
Slade Boy
SLAYD
“valley” · English
#1,055
Ash Boy
ASH
“ash tree” · English
#1,177
Tye Boy
TY
“from an English surname, 'enclosure'” · English
#3,306
Blake Boy
BLAYK
“black or pale” · English
#316
Colt Boy
KOHLT
“young horse” · English
#285
Tate Boy
TAYT
“from an Old English personal name” · English
#194
Cade Boy
KAYD
“from an English surname; round, lumpy” · English
#248
Drake Boy
DRAYK
“dragon” · English
#827
Reed Boy
REED
“red-haired” · English
#419
Brock Boy
BRAHK
“badger” · English
#810
Ford Boy
FAWRD
“river crossing” · English
#474
Lists that include Smith
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Smith mean?
Smith is an English and Old English name that means “metalworker”.
What is the origin of the name Smith?
Smith has English and Old English roots. Smith is the English occupational surname for a metalworker, from the Old English smið, one who works with metal, especially a blacksmith.
Is Smith a popular name?
Not especially. Smith ranked #1,483 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Smith a boy or girl name?
Smith is mainly a boy's name. About 93% of US babies named Smith over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Smith?
Smith is usually pronounced SMIHTH. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings