Sparey

Origin and Meaning: The surname Sparey is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Sparrow", which itself came from the Old English word "Spearwa". The name was commonly used as a nickname for someone who resembled or had traits similar to a sparrow bird.

Distribution: The surname Sparey is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.

Notable Individuals:

  • William Sparey (1828-1891): A renowned poet and writer known for his works on nature and rural life in Victorian England.
  • Emily Sparey (1902-1987): An influential artist known for her watercolour paintings depicting English landscapes.

Variants: Variants of the surname Sparey include Sparrow, Spary, Spery, and Sparrey.

Coat of Arms: The Sparey family coat of arms features a shield with symbols representing strength, loyalty, and familial heritage. The crest often displays a sparrow or elements reminiscent of the natural world.

Modern Significance: Today, individuals with the surname Sparey can be found across various professions, contributing to fields such as academia, the arts, agriculture, and business, enriching the diversity of British society.

References:

  • P.H. Reaney, "A Dictionary of English Surnames" (Oxford University Press, 2005)
  • J.E. Cussans, "History of Hertfordshire" (1881)

There are approximately 561 people named Sparey in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Sparey.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • Charles
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Lee
  • Malcolm
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Rob

Female

  • Charlotte
  • Emily
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Kate
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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