SMUTS
Smuts
Smuts is a surname of South African origin that is particularly associated with the notable South African political figure Jan Christiaan Smuts. The surname is from Dutch and Afrikaans origins, derived from the word "smut" which means "black mark" or "blemish".
Notable People:
Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870-1950)
Jan Christiaan Smuts was a prominent South African statesman, military leader, and philosopher. He played a significant role in South African and British politics during the first half of the 20th century. Smuts served as Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa and was involved in the negotiations leading up to the establishment of the British Commonwealth.
Another notable figure with the surname Smuts is Jannie Smuts, a successful Afrikaner entrepreneur.
Origins:
The origin of the Smuts surname can be traced back to Dutch and Afrikaans roots in South Africa. The name is believed to have been used to describe someone with a distinctive mark or blemish.
Distribution:
The surname Smuts is relatively rare outside of South Africa, but there are some individuals with this surname found in other countries with ties to the South African diaspora.
References:
- Smith, E. (2010). The Smuts Legacy: Oral history and indigenous knowledge. Johannesburg: Witwatersrand University Press.
- Van der Westhuizen, A. A. (2008). Jan Smuts: His life through his homes & gardens. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
There are approximately 121 people named Smuts in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Smuts.