SMILES
Smiles
Smiles is a surname of English origin, commonly found in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. It is thought to have originated from the Old English word smele, meaning "pleasant" or "kind."
The name Smiles is linked to the Scottish surname Mac an t-Smielair, which means "son of the marrowbone," suggesting a connection to butchery or the processing of meat. This could indicate that early bearers of the surname were involved in the meat trade or animal husbandry.
The most notable bearer of the surname Smiles is the Scottish author and reformer Samuel Smiles (1812–1904), best known for his pioneering self-help book Self-Help published in 1859. Samuel Smiles's work promoted the idea of self-improvement and personal responsibility, influencing generations of readers.
The surname Smiles has been borne by individuals in various fields, including literature, politics, and business, reflecting the diverse contributions of individuals across British society.
Today, the surname Smiles continues to be prevalent in the United Kingdom and is a reminder of the family histories and traditions that shape the rich tapestry of British culture.
There are approximately 1,223 people named Smiles in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,333rd most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Smiles.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Angela
- Beverley
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Heather
- Julie
- Karen
- Katrina
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Rachel
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.