Origin of the surname Spear

Recorded in the spellings of Spear, Sperr, Spere, Spary, Sperry, Spier, Spearman, and others, this is a surname of both Olde English pre 7th century and later Anglo-Saxon pre 9th Century origins. In its various forms it is recorded equally in both the United Kingdom and Germany. It is either a job descriptive surname for a professional hunter or of a soldier proficient with a spear. An alternative is a maker of spears, or sometimes as a descriptive nickname for a tall, thin person, one who resembled a spear! The plural spellings, such as Spears, Speares, etc, can indicate either a patronymic "son of Spere" or as a derivative of the French "espier"', meaning a watchman, one who probably carried a spear.

The early recordings taken from the medieval charters and rolls include Henry Spere in Lancashire, England, in the year 1246, Conrad Sperr of Offenburg, Germany, in 1359, and Robertus Spyer in the 1379 Poll Tax rolls of Yorkshire, England. Later recordings include Annes Spere, christened at St. Giles church, Cripplegate, London, on March 1st 1591, Hester Sperry, originally christened Sparry, who married Thomas Davis at St James church, Duke Street, London, on July 14th 1696, and Edward Spary, a witness at St Pancras Old Church, London, on December 24th 1786. The first recorded spelling of the family name in any form is shown to be that of Walter Speare, which was dated 1185, in the pipe rolls of the county of Somerset. This was during the reign of King Henry 11of England, known as 'The church builder', 1154 - 1189. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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

The history of the surname spear is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of spear. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of spear.

The surname Spear around the world

It is common for surnames like spear to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.

History of Spear

The historical journey of the surname spear can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of spear. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname spear.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname spear, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.

Notable Figures Named Spear

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all spears who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. If you or someone you know bears the surname spear, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Spear 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 spear. 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 spear.

SOURCES

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

Origin of Spear