Origin of the NaeSmyth surname and coat-of-arms

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Among the earliest of romantic legends for the NaeSmyth surname is this that follows:

Between 1249 and 1286, Alexander III was King of the Scots. On the eve of an important battle, probably the Battle of Largs in October 1263, a young man was required to mend the King's damaged armour. Though powerful and brave, he possessed only rudimentary metalworking skills and the mending work was poor. However, during the ensuing battle, he proved himself with great prowess, daring and achievement. Accordingly, he was honoured by Alexander with this laconic comment, "Though he is nae smyth, he is a brave gentleman, indeed." Thereafter, he would be known as, Sir NaeSmyth.

The armorial bearing of the Naesmyth is blazoned as: “Gules, a dexter hand couped proper holding a sword paleways argent between two broken hammers or.” The color red (gules) combined with the drawn sword represents bravery, while the two broken hammers testify to the wanting art of the smith. The arms are accompanied by the motto: "Non Arte Sed Marte;” this Latin motto has alternately been translated as, “Not by Art, But by Strength,” “Not by Art, But by War,” “Not by Art, But by Arms,” and “Not by Knavery (skill), But by Bravery.”

Spelling variations of the family surname include: NaeSmyth, Naesmith, Naismith, Nasmith, Nasmyth, Naysmith, Nesmith and others.