Nasmith--This surname is derived from an occupation. 'the nail-smith.' So says Lower, but see my remarks upon Knifesmith.

James Nasmite, Yorkshire: Fabric Rolls of York Minster: Wills and Inventories (Surtees Society).

John Naysmith, Yorkshire: Barnes' Ecclesiastical Proceedings (Surtees Society).

James Nasmith, sheriff of Norwich, 1734: History of Norfolk.

1745. Married-James Nasmith and Mary Barthol: St. George's Chapel, Mayfair.

1751. Baptised-Ann. d. Alexander Naesmith: St. James, Clerkenwell.

From the trade or occupation of 'knife-smith,' a maker of knives. "It has been stated," says Bardsley, "as beyond need of evidence that Nasmith and Neasmith are corrupted forms of Nailsmith, a maker of nails [so Lower explains the name. The earlier and complete form is found in the Valor Ecclesiasticus, viz. Henry Knyfesmythe." The form Knysmithe survived in England till the sixteenth century (Weekley, p. 228). Adam Nasmith, owner of lands at Brechin, died before 1420. The Nasmyths were an old family of burgesses at Hamilton (Stodart, II, p. 317). James Nasmytht, witness in Glasgow, 1543 (LCD., p. 128). George Nasmyth was one of those hanged for holding Paisley against the king and his regent, 1565 (Diur. Occ., p. 201), and John Nesmyt is mentioned by Moysie as one of those concerned in a conspiracy in Holyrood, 27 December 1591 (Memoirs, p. 87). There was a resignation of property in favor of Robert Nasmyth in Glasgow, 1552 (Protocols, I). Gawin Nasmytht was commissioner of Irvin, 1579 (Irvine, I, p. 72), and John Naismith was servitor to countess of Abercome, 1626 (Lees, Paisley, p. 268)."James Nasmith de Coldounknowis Armiger lie Esquyre S. D. N. Regis" was retoured heir in certain lands in Berwickshire, 1630 (Retours, Berwick, 168). Naismeth 1816, Nasemith 1687, Neasmyth 1654, Nesmith 1693.

(Scottish) The smith who made nails.

Or Nasmyth (Scotch), Nail-smith; but they bear two broken hammers in their Arms, as if the name were No smith !