SPERLING
Sperling
Definition and Origin
Sperling is a surname of German origin that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the German word "sperling," which means sparrow. It is believed that the surname was used either as a nickname for someone resembling a sparrow or as a topographic name for someone who lived in an area associated with sparrows.
Historical Significance
The surname Sperling has historical significance with notable individuals who have borne the name in various fields. One such individual is Johann Wilhelm Sperling, a German philosopher and writer known for his works on metaphysics and ethics.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Sperling is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, with a small number of individuals bearing the name. It is more prevalent in Germany and other European countries where the German influence is strong.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Sperling include Spurling, Speirling, and Spierling. These variations may have originated from regional dialects or phonetic changes over time.
Coat of Arms
The Sperling family is associated with a coat of arms featuring a depiction of a sparrow, symbolizing agility and resourcefulness. The coat of arms may vary depending on specific family lineages and heraldic traditions.
Modern Day
In contemporary times, individuals with the surname Sperling can be found in diverse professions and locations worldwide. The name continues to carry a sense of heritage and identity for those who bear it, connecting them to their ancestral roots and history.
Overall, the surname Sperling represents a longstanding lineage with origins in Germanic culture and language, embodying traits of adaptability and resilience akin to the sparrow it is derived from.
There are approximately 215 people named Sperling in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Sperling.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Frank
- Henry
- John
- Maurice
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Alanna
- Amanda
- Ann
- Anna
- Annette
- Donna
- Jennifer
- Lucia
- Lynn
- Philippa
- Sylvia
- Ulrike
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.