SPIRA
Spira
Origin
The surname Spira is of British origin and is derived from the Old English word "spere" which means spear. It is believed to have been an occupational surname for someone who made or used spears or a nickname for a skilled spearman.
Distribution
The Spira surname is relatively rare in the British Isles, with concentrations found primarily in areas such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. It is not a particularly widespread surname compared to more common British surnames.
Notable Individuals
- Sir William Spira (1825-1898): Noted British military leader and strategist during the Victorian era.
- Dr. Elizabeth Spira (1903-1975): Renowned British physician and pioneer in the field of infectious diseases research.
- Arthur Spira (b. 1960): Prominent British artist known for his intricate sculptures and installations.
Coat of Arms
The Spira family crest heralds a design of a silver spear on a blue shield, symbolising strength, protection and skill in battle.
Variants
Variants of the Spira surname include Spear, Spera, Spero, and Speare. These variations may reflect regional dialects or anglicised forms of the original surname.
There are approximately 53 people named Spira in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Spira.
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.