Smailes Family History

English (Northumberland and Durham): perhaps a habitational name from Smailes in Ryton (Durham) or more likely from a lost place similarly named in Wolsingham (Durham) from Old English smæl ‘narrow thin’.

Additionally, this name is derived from the term lǣs which means ‘pasture’.

The combination of these elements suggests a connection to geographical features, particularly narrow pastures.

Such place names often reflect the physical characteristics of the land in early medieval England.

Understanding the origin of names like Smailes gives insight into the history and settlement patterns of the region.