Despite being the most popular name in Scotland, the ubiquitous nature of the Smith surname makes it impossible for a progenitor to be tracked down. In fact, as many people carrying the smith name are likely to have gained it due to the profession of one of their ancestors, it is probable that many Smiths may not even be related to the family who would go on to become the smith chiefs.
Originating in the south-east of Scotland in the 13th century, the clan of the Smith chiefs would eventually become associated with the Macpherson family as they formed part of the larger confederation of Scottish clans, Clan Chattan.
While the clan would eventually disappear in the aftermath of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 (when the Scottish clan system was outlawed) they would make a reappearance during the 1970s as the Smith Society was formed by Emery Smith Jr. as a way to unite Scottish and Irish Smiths around the world.
