Surname Smellie - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Smellie: What does the surname Smellie mean?
The last name Smellie is of Scottish origin, specifically, it is derived from the Old English words "smæl" meaning "thin" or "small," and "lēah," which denotes a clearing or a meadow. Thus, it can be interpreted as a geographical name, denoting a small or narrow clearing. Another interpretation could be a descriptive or occupational name, denoting a person of small stature or who worked in a small clearing. The name is found most commonly in Scotland's central belt, and is considered quite rare. Like many surnames, it may have evolved in spelling and pronunciation over time and under different regional influences. It is important to note that the modern understanding of the word 'smell' does not relate to this surname's original meaning or interpretation in any way. Family names like Smellie are a way to connect with and understand our historical roots and the cultures that influenced our lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisSmellie: Where does the name Smellie come from?
The last name Smellie is most common in Scotland, particularly in the areas surrounding Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is thought to be of Scottish origin, being derived from the Scottish surname 'Smellock', an old variant of the personal name Michael. The name was particularly popular in Scotland in the 1700s and 1800s, with many notable bearers such as the surgeon William Smellie (1740-1795), and the British East India Company's Chief Writer (Surveyor), David Smellie (1788-1856). Today, the name is still common in many parts of northern Scotland, and can still be found in other countries like England, Canada, and the United States, where bearers have emigrated from Scotland. Furthermore, it is also common among Scottish emigrants in further-flung places such as Australia and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Smellie
The surname Smellie is said to be derived from a Scottish nickname for a quiet or meek person. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for this last name include Smeely, Smale, Smylie, Smiley, Smilie, Smell, Smelie, Smilie, Smillie.
The surname Smeely is a variant of the name Smellie and is of early medieval origin. It is derived from the Gaelic term 'smeulach', which means meek. It was most common as a nickname for someone who was mild-mannered or timid.
The surname Smale is a variant of the name Smellie, though it could also have a separate origin in the English phrase 'smale', which meant 'tiny'. It has been suggested that the surname was used to refer to someone who was small in stature or stature.
The surname Smylie is another variant of the name Smellie and is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase 'smeulach', which means meek. It is the anglicized variant of the Gaelic name Smillie.
The surname Smiley is related to Smellie, derived from the Gaelic 'smeulach', which means meek. The variant Smilie is also derived from this Gaelic phrase and used to refer to someone who was gentle mannered or kind.
The surname Smell is a variant of Smellie and is primarily of Scottish origin. It derives from the Gaelic phrase 'smeulach' which means meek and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Smillie.
The surname Smelie is a variant of Smellie, and is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase 'smeulach' which means meek. This was often used as a nickname for someone who was mild mannered or timid.
The surname Smilie is a variant of Smellie, and is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase 'smeulach', which means meek. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Smillie.
The surname Smillie is an anglicized variant of the Gaelic name Smellie. It is derived from the Gaelic term 'smeulach', which means meek. This name was most commonly used as a nickname for someone who was quiet or restrained.
Famous people with the name Smellie
- Bill Smellie: Former British Army soldier and Lead Technical Instructor at Instructional Services Section Training, Defense Ministry.
- Graham Smellie: Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with the gospel roots reggae band Groundation.
- Hilary Smellie: Canadian physician, professor emeritus, and academic administrator at the University of Manitoba.
- James Smellie: Scottish geologist, mineralogist, mineral collector, and museum curator.
- John Smellie: Scottish entomologist and author of widely regarded natural history texts.
- Keith Smellie: British biophysicist who founded the journal Biophysical Chemistry.
- Mark Smellie: Historian and leader of a Canadian international research network on the Cold War.
- Reine Smellie: Former fashion model, actress, and commentator on fashion trends.
- Roger Smellie: Professor Emeritus of Zoology at Queen’s University in Belfast.
- Roy Smellie: Former first-choice goalkeeper for the Scotland National Team.