Origin of the surname Sparrow

This interesting surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and derives from the Olde English pre 7th Century "spearwa", Middle English "sparewe", a sparrow. The surname was originally given to a homely or chirpy person, and is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. The nicknames were given in the first instance with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, including supposed resemblance to an animal's or bird's appearance or disposition, or to habits of dress and occupation.

The surname is first recorded in the mid 12th Century (see below) and can also be found as Sparrowe and Sparow. Ralph Sparewe is noted in the 1182 Pipe Rolls of Norfolk and Ibboto Sparow is listed in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield, Yorkshire (1325). Judith Sparrow is recorded as living in the Barbadoes in 1680; she was one of the earliest settlers in the New World. A Coat of Arms granted to the family is ermine with a red unicorn's head erased between three red roses, barbed and seeded proper, a red chief indented, the Crest being a silver unicorn's head erased semee of red cinquefoils. The Motto, "Spero", translates as, "I hope". The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Sperewe, which was dated 1160, in the "Early London Personal Names", during the reign of King Henry 11, known as "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Sparrow. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname sparrow is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of sparrow. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname sparrow, and in addition to the original locations of sparrow, we can find out where people with the surname sparrow can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of sparrow.

The surname Sparrow around the world

It is common for surnames like sparrow to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname sparrow has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Sparrow

The historical journey of the surname sparrow can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of sparrow. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname sparrow are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname sparrow.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname sparrow, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname sparrow or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of sparrow.

Notable Figures Named Sparrow

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all sparrows who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like sparrow can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname sparrow, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname sparrow who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Sparrow and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname sparrow. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname sparrow, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of sparrow.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of sparrow, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Sparrow