The name refers to a smith, originally deriving from "smið" or , the Old English term meaning "one who works in metal" related to the word ', the Old English form of "smite", which also meant ' (as in early 17th century Biblical English: the verb "to smite" = to hit). The Old English word "smiþ" comes from the Proto-Germanic word "smiþaz". "Smithy" comes from the Old English word "smiðē" from the Proto-Germanic "smiðjon". The use of "Smith" as an occupational surname dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, when inherited surnames were still unknown: Ecceard Smith of County Durham, North East England, was recorded in 975.