- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- FamilyFunHistorical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 6
- Holiday emoji:
- ✨
National Smith Day shines a spotlight on the world’s most common surname every January 6. This special day encourages individuals to celebrate their Smith heritage, connect with others who share the name, and explore the rich history behind it. Join in the fun by sharing your family stories, tracing your ancestry, or simply acknowledging the Smiths in your life!
Want to sponsor National Smith Day? Learn how
Expected National Smith Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Smith Day often inspires unique offers. Look for deals on personalized gifts from retailers like Shutterfly and Personalization Mall, offering custom items emblazoned with family names. Genealogy services such as Ancestry.com and MyHeritage may feature discounts on DNA kits or subscription access to help Smiths trace their roots. Local businesses might offer special recognition or small perks for customers with the surname. Target and Walmart could highlight family-themed merchandise, while independent craftspeople on platforms like Etsy might promote custom Smith family crests or apparel. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 6 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Smith Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalSmithDay. Film a video showcasing your Smith family history, funny Smith family traditions, or a ‘day in the life of a Smith.’
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalSmithDay. Share photos of your Smith family gatherings, personalized ‘Smith’ items, or a creative graphic celebrating the surname.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSmithDay. Create a post asking friends to share their favorite ‘Smith’ fun facts or stories about famous Smiths.
National Smith Day Hero
Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
History of National Smith Day
The name Smith originated in England and Ireland but has been popularized across continents. Now, almost three million people in the United States have a Smith in their name.
The name Smith actually refers to a smith, be it a goldsmith, locksmith, or blacksmith. The use of Smith dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and was a surname derived from the occupation. Ecceard Smith of County Durham was recorded in 975. Many later Smiths had no connection to the occupation, but either adopted or were given the surname.
Since it was an extremely common name, it became usual for people in English-speaking countries to adopt the surname Smith, in order to maintain a secret identity. During the colonization of North America, Native Americans would take the name for use in dealing with colonists. Many slaves were known by the surname of their masters, or adopted those surnames upon their freedom, and in the World Wars, many German Americans anglicized the surname ‘Schmidt’ or ‘Schmitz’ to Smith to avoid discrimination.
These all led to the vast popularization of the name and in 1994, another Smith decided to make it a whole day! Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith created this day to honor people with the name Smith, and chose the particular date because it’s quite an important one in Smith history.
Captain John Smith was baptized on the date in 1580, and since his exact birth date is unclear, the date is commonly used as his birth date. He led the Jamestown colony settlers in 1607 and was one of the first Smiths to live in America. This day also marks the birthdate of Jedediah Strong Smith, who is believed to have been the first American to get to California by land.
National Smith Day timeline
Ecceard Smith of County Durham is recorded.
One of the first Smiths in America, Captain Smith is born on January 6.
Smith, the first American to get to California by land, is born on January 6.
Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith creates National Smith Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Smith Day
Local businesses can join in National Smith Day by offering special recognition or small perks to customers with the surname Smith. Restaurants might provide a complimentary dessert, while retail stores could offer a small discount upon ID verification. Personalized gift shops can highlight custom items like mugs, keychains, or apparel featuring the ‘Smith’ name or a family crest. Genealogy services could host a free ‘Smith Family Tree’ workshop or offer introductory discounts. Even general businesses can create a fun social media campaign asking followers to tag their favorite ‘Smith’ business owner or employee, fostering community engagement.
National Smith Day FAQs
When is National Smith Day?
In 2027, National Smith Day will be observed on Wednesday, January 6, providing another opportunity to honor the countless individuals who share this common last name.
How common is the surname Smith?
Globally, the Smith surname is incredibly widespread, with its origins rooted in the Old English word for ‘one who works with metal.’ Its sheer ubiquity makes it a unique subject for a dedicated day of recognition.
What are some famous people named Smith?
From historical figures to contemporary icons, the Smith name has been carried by many influential individuals. Consider also the likes of architect Michael Smith, fashion designer Paul Smith, and singer Sam Smith, showcasing the name’s diverse impact.
What is the origin and meaning of the surname Smith?
Historically, the Smith name was given to skilled artisans who forged metal, making it one of the earliest and most common occupational surnames. This ancient craft connection underscores the name’s enduring legacy and widespread adoption.
National Smith Day Activities
Do whatever you like
Do you have Smith in your last name? Then this day is for you! Do whatever you like, and whatever makes you happy on a day dedicated to you.
Read about popular Smiths
See what all the fuss is about by reading about popular Smiths in history. We’ve given you a headstart, but there are still so many other popular Smiths who have done amazing things in history. Read about them today.
Do something nice for a Smith
If you aren’t a Smith, you can still join in on the fun. With the popularity of the name, you probably know a Smith. Today, do something nice for them. Give them a call, invite them over, or take them out to lunch. Whatever you do, just make sure a Smith feels special today because of you.
5 Interesting Facts About Captain John Smith
A star in a Disney animation
John Smith inspired one of the major characters in “Pocahontas,” the Disney animated film.
He actually knew Pocahontas
Pocahontas traveled to London in 1616 and met Smith during her time there.
He was captured by French pirates
While mapping the coast of Massachusetts, he was captured by French pirates and later escaped, making his way back to England.
Historians think his Pocahontas story is false
Many historians question the truth of Smith's account of his rescue by Pocahontas because he was the only English eyewitness and there was no written record.
His final colonization attempt fell short
He made one final colonizing attempt in 1617, but due to a lack of wind, his vessels were unable to leave port for three months, causing him to never set sail.
Why We Love National Smith Day
There is a Smith for everyone
The Smith name is so popular that almost everyone knows or is associated with a Smith. This means, there is a Smith for everyone, and we love having them around.
They are monumental in American history
Without people like Captain John Smith and Jedediah Strong Smith, certain states in America would probably not have been founded. This makes them an important part of English and American history.
We can all be like the Smiths
The creation of the day sends encouragement. The creator of National Smith Day itself, Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith might not have such a monumental history as those whom the day honors, but she was the originator of the day. This serves as proof that with enough valid evidence and significance, we can all create days after our names or interests.
Social Media Tips for National Smith Day
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