Find out how popular the last name Smitz is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Smitz.

Smitz, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Smitz surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Smitz in America

Smitz is the 131366th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Smitz surname appeared 119 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Smitz.

The history of the last name Smitz

The surname Smitz has its roots in the Low Countries, particularly in the regions that now encompass Belgium and the Netherlands. The name originated in the medieval period, around the 12th to 14th centuries. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word “smit,” which means “smith,” indicating an ancestral occupation related to blacksmithing or working with metal.

Among its earlier forms and variations, Smit is a widely recognized older spelling. Due to regional dialects and linguistic changes over time, the surname evolved to include variations such as Smeets and Smits. All of these variations share the same occupational origin, referring to someone who worked as a metalworker or blacksmith, a highly respected and crucial profession in medieval society.

Historical records contain several references to this surname. For example, a record from the 13th century mentions a Jan Smit as a prominent blacksmith in the town of Ghent in what is now Belgium. The name appears in multiple documents related to trade and guild memberships, underscoring the societal importance of skilled metalworkers during that era.

In the early 15th century, Petrus Smitz is noted in the archives of Leuven University in Belgium as a student of metallurgy, demonstrating the continuation of the family’s association with metalworking. Another notable individual is Willem Smitz, born in 1475, who became a well-known artisan in the city of Antwerp, contributing to the intricate metalwork that decorated many of the city’s buildings and churches. His contributions were significant enough to be recorded in Antwerp's city archives.

In the realm of politics, Cornelius Smitz (born 1510, died 1578) served as an advisor to the Duke of Brabant, showcasing the transition of some family members from manual crafts to influential societal roles. Cornelius's role is well-documented in the county's administrative records, where he frequently advocated for the rights and privileges of the guilds, including those of smiths and metalworkers.

The name also appears in later centuries, tied to artistic achievements. Henry Smitz, born in 1653 in Amsterdam, gained recognition as a master silversmith whose work was in high demand among the Dutch elite. Several of his surviving pieces are now housed in the Rijksmuseum, ensuring his legacy remains visible to this day.

Throughout history, the surname Smitz has been associated with individuals who have excelled in various fields related to metal craftsmanship and beyond. This historical trajectory underscores the enduring significance of the name, tracing back to its roots in the medieval Low Countries and reflecting its evolution through societal and professional shifts over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Smitz

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Smitz.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Smitz was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Smitz was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Smitz, please contact us.

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