Smitten Surname

The Origins of the Surname Smitten

The surname Smitten is of English origin and has a long history dating back centuries. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "smiten," which means to strike or hit. This could indicate that the name was originally given to someone who was a skilled fighter or warrior.

Another possible origin of the surname Smitten is that it was a nickname given to someone who was quick-tempered or easily provoked. In medieval times, nicknames were often used as surnames to distinguish individuals, and this could be the case with the surname Smitten.

Early Bearers of the Surname Smitten

The surname Smitten has been documented in various historical records, providing insight into early bearers of the name. In England, the surname Smitten was first recorded in the region of Yorkshire in the 13th century. One of the early bearers of the name was John Smitten, who was listed in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire in 1276.

In the 16th century, the surname Smitten appeared in records in other parts of England, such as London and Essex. Notable bearers of the name during this time included Thomas Smitten, a merchant in London, and Mary Smitten, a landowner in Essex.

Migration and Spread of the Surname Smitten

Over time, the surname Smitten began to spread beyond England to other parts of the world. Records show that individuals with the surname Smitten migrated to countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Canada

In Canada, the surname Smitten has been documented in various provinces, with the highest incidence in Ontario and Quebec. Early immigrants with the surname Smitten arrived in Canada in the 18th century, and their descendants continue to carry the name to this day.

United States

In the United States, the surname Smitten is less common compared to other countries, with the highest incidence in states such as New York and California. The earliest recorded immigrants with the surname Smitten arrived in the United States in the 19th century, primarily settling in urban areas and working in various industries.

Australia

In Australia, the surname Smitten is relatively rare, with most individuals carrying the name residing in New South Wales and Victoria. The first immigrants with the surname Smitten arrived in Australia in the 19th century, drawn by opportunities in agriculture and mining.

South Africa

In South Africa, the surname Smitten has a small presence, with individuals carrying the name primarily located in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Early settlers with the surname Smitten arrived in South Africa in the 17th century, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the country.

Modern-Day Distribution of the Surname Smitten

Today, the surname Smitten continues to be found in various countries around the world, with a concentration in English-speaking regions. The incidence of the surname Smitten is highest in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, where the name has deep roots.

In addition to England, the surname Smitten is also present in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Africa, where descendants of early immigrants continue to carry the name. Although less common in some regions, the surname Smitten remains a part of the cultural and historical fabric of these countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Smitten has a rich history and has endured through centuries, spreading to various parts of the world through migration and settlement. The origins of the name may be rooted in medieval nicknaming practices or references to combat prowess. Today, the surname Smitten is a reminder of the diverse heritage and connections that individuals share across borders and generations.

The surname Smitten in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same takes place in the case of Smitten, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in a lot of the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Smitten is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Smitten surname

1. England (181)
2. Canada (158)
3. United States (81)
4. Australia (15)
5. Saint Kitts and Nevis (6)
6. Russia (4)
7. Netherlands (3)
8. Barbados (2)
9. Antigua and Barbuda (1)
10. Germany (1)
11. Spain (1)
12. Scotland (1)
13. India (1)
14. Thailand (1)
15. South Africa (1)