Smedley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Smedley come from? What does the surname Smedley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Smedley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Smedley Origin: What does the last name Smedley mean?
The surname Smedley originated in England around the early 16th century. Derived from English roots, the name is associated with metalworking, similar to the occupational surname Smith. Over the centuries, the Smedley surname has maintained a strong presence in England and the United States, with records showing its global spread to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the historical significance of the Smedley surname, indicating its close association with England from the 16th to the 18th centuries. By the 20th century, the Smedley surname saw a significant increase in records in the United States, highlighting its continued prominence in both English-speaking countries. Today, the Smedley surname remains a recognizable name in various countries worldwide, reflecting a heritage rooted in metalworking and a legacy that continues to thrive in diverse regions and cultures.
Smedley Last Name History: Where did the last name Smedley come from?
Origin of Smedley Surname: Where does the last name Smedley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Smedley first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Smedley spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Smedley: What does the Smedley surname history look like in the early days?
The Smedley surname remained closely associated with England from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Smedley family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Smedley surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Smedley surname grew significantly in the United States. The Smedley surname remains prominent in both England and the United States. It appears in many countries, including those like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Smedley last name heritage and Smedley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME SMEDLEY
Famous People With Smedley Surame?
Agnes Smedley
Agnes Smedley (Feb 23, 1892 - May 6, 1950) was an American journalist, writer, and activist known for supporting the Indian Independence Movement and the Chinese Communist Revolution. Raised in poverty in Missouri and Colorado, she wrote the autobiographical novel "Daughter of Earth" and lived in China from 1928 to 1941, reporting on communist activities. Accused of being a spy, she was involved in Indian activism and faced charges under the Espionage Act. Despite controversy, Smedley's work as a journalist and supporter of socialist causes left a lasting impact on history.
Rob Smedley
Robert Smedley (born Nov 28, 1973) is a British automotive engineer known for his work in Formula One with teams like Williams, Ferrari, and Jordan. Starting his career with Pilbeam Racing Designs, Smedley worked on Formula 3000 cars before becoming a race engineer for Felipe Massa at Ferrari. Notable for his humorous radio transmissions, Smedley was involved in controversial team orders at the 2010 German Grand Prix. After leaving Williams in 2018, he continued in Formula One as a technical consultant and Director of Data Systems. Smedley also founded Total Karting, a low-cost racing series focused on electric karts, to make motorsport more accessible.
Variety Jones and Smedley
Variety Jones (Cimon) and Smedley Charger (Smed) were key figures in the founding of the darknet market Silk Road. Variety Jones, also known as Cimon, initially joined as a marijuana seed vendor and later became a mentor and advisor to Ross Ulbricht, suggesting the title "Dread Pirate Roberts." Smedley Charger, or Smed, worked as a coder on the site and collaborated closely with Jones on various projects. Their true identities were eventually uncovered, leading to legal consequences for their involvement with Silk Road.
Ralph C. Smedley
Ralph Chesnut Smedley (February 22, 1878 – September 11, 1965) was the founder of Toastmasters International, a global speaking organization with over 352,000 members in 141 countries. Smedley, a humble and dedicated individual, started the first unofficial Toastmasters club in 1905 to help people improve their public speaking skills. His vision and hard work led to the growth of Toastmasters clubs worldwide. Smedley's contributions were recognized with an honorary degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and the naming of a junior high school in Santa Ana after him. His legacy lives on through the ongoing success of Toastmasters International.
Oliver Smedley
William Oliver Smedley (19 Feb 1911 – 16 Nov 1989) was an English businessman known for his involvement in classical liberal politics and pirate radio. He served in World War II, winning the Military Cross for his bravery. Smedley was a staunch advocate for free trade and economic liberalism, founding organizations like the Cheap Food League and the Institute of Economic Affairs. He also ventured into politics, contesting numerous parliamentary elections. In the realm of pirate radio, Smedley played a controversial role in the industry, including a tragic incident involving the death of Reginald Calvert. His life was marked by a mix of activism, entrepreneurship, and political engagement.
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