The surname Smith is the most common surname in the English language. The reason is very simple. In the 11th century when the concept of surnames was brought to England during the Norman invasion, surnames were chosen as a means of additional information such as the location of origin or occupation, and the surname Smith was given to those with the Smithy occupation. During times of war, the king could and often did conscription virtually every man he could. Except the Smiths since they were considered skilled labor and were needed to make the weapons of war. Kept safe from death on the battlefield, they remained home and had children, a lot of children.