Smits

Smits is a Dutch and Flemish surname. It is a patronymic form derived from the given name Smit, itself an occupational nickname for a blacksmith or metalworker. The suffix -s in Dutch surnames often indicates "son of" or "descendant of," so Smits can be understood as "son of Smit" or "descendant of the smith." The name therefore has roots in medieval Dutch-speaking communities and reflects the common practice of forming surnames from occupations.

The surname is most common in the Netherlands and in the Flemish part of Belgium, with presence in neighboring regions and among Dutch-speaking diaspora communities. It is also found in South Africa, Suriname, and Indonesia, reflecting historical migration and colonial connections.

Notable people with the surname include individuals across various fields such as sports, arts, and academia. As with many Dutch surnames, Smits has numerous lineages and can appear alongside related forms such as Smit, Smidt, and Smith in anglicized contexts.

For further reading, see also Smit (surname) or the related variants Smidt and Smith.