History of your Surname
Get access to Smilay family records.Start a free trial

Smilay Family History

Smilay Name 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: Smiley, Milan, Milas, Slay, Smola, Silas, Smolar, Malay, Smitley

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Black & white image of a young woman scientist

Where is the Smilay family from?

You can see how Smilay families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Smilay family name was found in the USA, and Scotland between 1851 and 1920. The most Smilay families were found in Scotland in 1851. In 1880 there was 1 Smilay family living in Louisiana. This was 100% of all the recorded Smilay's in USA. Louisiana had the highest population of Smilay families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Smilay surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What did your Smilay ancestors do for a living?

Census records can tell you a lot of little known facts about your Smilay ancestors, such as occupation. Occupation can tell you about your ancestor's social and economic status.

What Smilay family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 71 census records available for the last name Smilay. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Smilay census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search US census records for Smilay

Passenger Lists

There are 46 immigration records available for the last name Smilay. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the USA, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Smilay immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 22 military records available for the last name Smilay. For the veterans among your Smilay ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Smilay military records

You've only scratched the surface of Smilay family history

Discover More

What is the average Smilay lifespan?

Between 1963 and 1995, in the United States, Smilay life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1963, and highest in 1995. The average life expectancy for Smilay in 1963 was 47, and 98 in 1995.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Smilay

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Smilay family tree

Explore Your Tree

Browse profiles of historical people with the Smilay last name

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