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Smith Surname Day
"For since the birth of time, throughout all ages and nations,
Has the craft of the smith been held in repute by the people."
~ Evangeline, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1847
Are you a Smith? How about a Smyth, Smythe, Schmidt, Schmitt, or Schmeid? What about Smithers, Koopersmith, Goldsmith, Silversmith, or Nesmith? And leaning towards Scottish surnames, do you respond to the name of MacGowan, MacGabhann, Gowan, McGowan, MacGowin, McGavin, MacGaffin, Gavin, Gow, Gowie, Gowans, McGaw, MacGow, or MacGavinach as all may have direct linguistic link to those who worked in forges or as blacksmiths, or smiths in various trades. MacGowan and its variations are derived from the Gaelic for "son of the smith" (Mac Gabhann).
Smith Surname Day, celebrated annually on January 7, honors the legacy and contributions of those bearing the surname Smith, one of the most widespread and historically significant names worldwide. In Scotland, the name carries a rich heritage, closely tied to the trade of blacksmithing, an essential craft in Highland and Lowland communities.
Clan MacGowan holds a proud association with the ancient trade of blacksmithing in Scotland. The surname Smith, once among the most common in Scotland, shares deep ties with this clan, as blacksmiths were central figures in Highland society, crafting essential tools, weapons, and even symbolic items like the Highland dirk. Historically, members of the MacGowan clan were considered a sept of larger clans, such as Clan MacPherson, where their craftsmanship contributed to the clan's strength and survival. 🖤 💙 💚 💛 🔥
This is Gow Hunting tartan with the dark blue stripe changed to azure. Gow is the Gaelic form of Smith meaning metal worker or armourer. There is an alternative Smith sett designed for Smith of Pennylands, the founder of the Boys Brigade. This tartan dates from 1886.
January 6 was chosen as Smith Surname Day as the date of birth of Captain John Smith, born this date in 1580. He led the colonists who settled in Jamestown in 1607 and undoubtedly was one of the first Smiths to live in America.
January 6 also happens to be the birthday of Jedediah Strong Smith, who was born in 1799 in Bainbridge, New York. He was one of the first explorers of the American West; he is believed to have been the first American to get to California by land, and he helped start the Oregon Trail.
For a wonderful gallery of paintings showing smiths, click The Village Blacksmith, a Currier and Ives lithograph.