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.

Typical given names associated with the Smiles 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.

How to communicate the surname Smiles in...

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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

The Genealogist - UK census, BMDs and more online

Famous people named Smiles

  • Samuel Smiles - Scottish author (1812 to 1904)

Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.

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