This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Smley family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Smley Family History

Smley Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Emley, Smiley, Smoley, Soley, Seley, Saley, Sales, Sully, Sale, Paley

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Smley family from?

You can see how Smley families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Smley family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Smley families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 6 Smley families living in Staffordshire. This was 100% of all the recorded Smley's in United Kingdom. Staffordshire had the highest population of Smley families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Smley surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Smley family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 112 census records available for the last name Smley. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Smley census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Smley

Passenger Lists

There are 2 immigration records available for the last name Smley. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Smley immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 7 military records available for the last name Smley. For the veterans among your Smley ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Smley military records

You've only scratched the surface of Smley family history

Discover More

What is the average Smley lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Smley ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Smley

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Smley family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial