SPROT
Sprot
The surname Sprot is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "sprot," which means a shoot or sprout. The Sprot surname is classified as a locational surname, indicating that its initial bearers were associated with a particular place or region.
Origin
The Sprot surname traces its roots back to the East Anglia region of England, particularly in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. The surname may have originated from a now-lost medieval village or hamlet named Sprot, though evidence of this location is scarce, leading to some uncertainty.
Early Records
The earliest recorded instances of the Sprot surname date back to medieval England, with variations such as Sprote and Sproat appearing in historical documents. Notable records include references to a William Sprot in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of England during the reign of William the Conqueror.
Distribution and Variants
Over the centuries, the Sprot surname has evolved and diversified into various forms, with variants including Sproatt, Sprott, and Sprott. The distribution of the surname spread beyond East Anglia to other parts of England. Today, individuals bearing the Sprot surname can be found across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Notable Bearers
Throughout history, individuals with the Sprot surname have made various contributions in different fields. While specific notable bearers are not extensively documented, the surname continues to be cherished by those who bear it and maintain a connection to its historical origins.
References
- P. H. Reaney, The Origin of English Surnames (Routledge, 2018).
- George Redmonds, Surnames and Genealogy (University of Oxford Press, 2002).
- Family History Institute, The Surname Database (https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Sprot).
There are approximately 98 people named Sprot in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Sprot.