SMEETON
Smeeton
Smeeton is an English surname of toponymic origin, indicating a person's connection to the village of Smeeton Westerby in Leicestershire, England. The name is derived from the Old English words Smēðe-tūn, meaning "smooth" or "even" land, and "enclosure" or "settlement."
History
The name Smeeton can be traced back to the medieval period in England, where it was commonly used to identify individuals associated with the village of Smeeton Westerby. Over time, families bearing the surname spread to other parts of England, and variations such as Smeaton and Smitten also emerged.
Notable Individuals
- John Smeaton (1724–1792): A prominent civil engineer known as the "father of civil engineering," Smeaton is best known for his work on the Eddystone Lighthouse.
- George Smeeton (c. 1804–1884): A Victorian printer and publisher, Smeeton was renowned for his sports and book illustrations, including those for Charles Dickens' novels.
Distribution
The surname Smeeton remains relatively rare in modern times, with concentrations in regions historically connected to the village of Smeeton Westerby, such as Leicestershire and neighbouring counties.
Variation
Different spellings and variations of the Smeeton surname exist, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spelling over the centuries. These include Smeaton, Smitten, and Smithen.
In conclusion, the surname Smeeton represents a connection to the village of Smeeton Westerby in Leicestershire and is associated with historical figures in civil engineering, publishing, and other fields.
There are approximately 612 people named Smeeton in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Smeeton.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- Gerald
- Ian
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Roger
- Thomas
Female
- Claire
- Danielle
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Kathleen
- Nicola
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Wendy