Surname Spriggs - Meaning and Origin

A Genetic Voyage of Self-Discovery: My Emotional Experience with iGENEA and the Spriggs Heritage

iGENEA's DNA test can reveal fascinating insights into your ancestry, as it did for me. Unlocking the mystery surrounding my surname, Spriggs, I experienced an emotional journey, rife with anticipation, revelation, and a profound sense of connection to my lineage.

U. Spriggs

Spriggs: What does the surname Spriggs mean?

The surname Spriggs is of English origin and is believed to derive from the Old English term "sprig", meaning a small or young branch. The name was likely originally a nickname or occupational name for someone who was youthful or a novice in their profession. Alternatively, it may have been used to identify an individual who lived near a conspicuous group of young trees. Surnames during this period were often used to help distinguish individuals with the same first name, so these descriptors were important in identifying specific individuals. As with many surnames, over time it evolved into a hereditary family name passed down through generations. Popular in England, particularly in the southeast regions, the name Spriggs can be found in various historical records dating back to the Middle Ages. It was carried to many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, by early settlers and immigrants.

Spriggs: Where does the name Spriggs come from?

The last name Spriggs is found throughout England and other parts of the world. In England, Spriggs is most common in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Durham. The name is also present in Scotland and Wales, and appears to have been found in Ireland since the seventeenth century. Outside of the UK, Spriggs is found in Algeria, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

In the United States, the name Spriggs is mainly found in the southern states, especially in Virginia, Indiana, and Missouri. In Virginia, the surname can be traced back to the colonial era, and it is also found in other states that were part of the original thirteen colonies, including Maryland and New Jersey. Spriggs is also present in many counties across the US, including Texas, California, Michigan, and New York.

Spriggs appears to be an old English surname, and it is likely derived from the Middle English word ‘sprigge’, meaning a sprig of green. It originally referred to a person with a ruddy complexion, or someone with a sprightly personality. Many of the instances of the surname are likely from families who have lived in the same area for centuries, which would explain why Spriggs is still common in certain countries and regions today.

Variations of the surname Spriggs

Spriggs is a surname with origins in multiple countries. Primarily, it is derived from the Old English terms sprycg, which translates to “snap” or “sudden movement”, or spreca, meaning a “sprout or young shoot”. The surname is seen in hundreds of variants and spellings across the globe.

In England, where the surname is most commonly found, variations of Spriggs include Spragg, Spreck, Sprake, Spurrell, Spragge, Sprag, Sprack, or Spreckley. In Scotland, it is often seen as Sprigg, Speir, Speirs, and Speirson. In Ireland, variants include Sprague, Spring, Spracklin, Spracklen, or Spracklum.

In the United States the surname is most often seen as Spriggs. Other variants include Spragg, Sprecher, Sprague, Spraker, Spruck, Sproul, or Sprigler. In Germany, the spelling is often Sprengel, and in the Netherlands, Sprakel.

Other international variants of Spriggs include Spragge (in Canada), Spreuzzi (in Italy), and Sprenger (in France).

Given its multiple origins, it is no surprise that Spriggs has undergone such a wide range of spelling and transcription patterns over time. Though the variants are different, their roots all remain the same, and the Spriggs surname still carries with it its symbolic Old English meanings.

Famous people with the name Spriggs

• Tatyana Ali: an American actress, best known for her role as Ashley Banks in the 1990s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’.
• David Spriggs: a former professional basketball player, currently assistant coach for the University of Louisville men's basketball team.
• Sarah Spriggs: an English actress, best known for her roles in ‘Casualty’ and ‘Minder’.
• Rev. Floyd H. Spriggs: an American pastor, author, and educator, best known for founding Welch College.
• Laura Spriggs: a British politician, who is currently a member of the House of Commons for East Birmingham.
• Elbert Spriggs: an American football player who played defensive end for the New York Giants and the San Diego Chargers.
• Cliff Spriggs: an American baseball player, who played for four seasons in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• John H. Spriggs: an American lawyer and politician, who served as a member of the Tennessee Senate from 1957 to 1958.
• Bruce Spriggs: an English cricketer, who played for Leicestershire in 1998 and 1999.
• Helen Spriggs: an English actress, best known for her roles in ‘The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles’ and ‘Howards’ Way’.

Other surnames

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