Smeaton (surname)

The surname Smeaton is of English origin, historically associated with places in northeastern England. It is derived from the Old English elements "smetan," meaning "to smooth," and "ton," meaning "town" or "settlement," indicating a location known for milling, smoothing, or craftsmanship. The name often signifies families connected to a specific place or profession related to such trades. Notable individuals with this surname include John Smeaton, a pioneering 18th-century civil engineer known for advances in lighthouse and bridge construction.