Sparks

Sparks is a British surname of English origin. The name is a patronymic form of "Sparke", a Middle English nickname for an active or lively person. Alternatively, it could also have derived from the Breton word "Sparcon," meaning "spurre of a boot," suggesting a shoemaker as an ancestral occupation.

History The surname Sparks dates back to medieval England, with the first recorded instance being John Sparke in the Hundred Rolls of Devon in 1273. Over the centuries, the name has spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, particularly to countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Notable Bearers

  • Nicholas Sparks (b. 1965) - An American author known for his bestselling romance novels.
  • Jordin Sparks (b. 1989) - A singer and actress who rose to fame after winning the sixth season of American Idol.
  • Sparks Family - A prominent musical duo consisting of brothers Ron and Russell Mael, known for their innovative and eclectic music.

Variants Variants of the Sparks surname include Spark, Sparke, and Sparkes, reflecting different regional pronunciations and spelling variations over time.

Coat of Arms The Sparks family coat of arms features symbols such as stars, flames, and sparks, symbolising energy, brightness, and creativity. The blazon typically includes gold, red, and black colours, denoting wealth, courage, and constancy.

Modern-Day In contemporary times, the surname Sparks continues to be common, with individuals bearing the name engaged in diverse fields such as literature, entertainment, and business.

There are approximately 6,147 people named Sparks in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,540th most common surname in Britain. Around 94 in a million people in Britain are named Sparks.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Catherine
  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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