Surname Spragge - Meaning and Origin
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Spragge: What does the surname Spragge mean?
The surname Spragge originates from England and is considered rare. Surnames often emerged as ways to distinguish individuals with the same given name, typically by referencing their occupation, location, or personal attributes. The meaning of Spragge, however, is not definitively known due to its rarity. It could be related to the Middle English word "sprag", which means lively or active, implying that it may have originally been a nickname for someone who was sprightly or energetic. As with many surnames, the specific meaning could vary based on the historical context and circumstances. Therefore, without more concrete historical information, the exact meaning of Spragge remains uncertain. It is always fascinating to explore a family history to reveal more about specific roots and meanings tied to a surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSpragge: Where does the name Spragge come from?
The last name Spragge is still common today in parts of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is most prevalent in the counties of Norfolk and Nottinghamshire in England, as well as in the Victorian region of Australia.
In the UK, the Spragge surname was registered in the 1891 census as belonging to almost 1,500 people. Most of those individuals were living in Norfolk County and Nottinghamshire. The highest concentration of the surname in these two counties is found in the city of Norwich, as well as the surrounding villages.
In Canada, the surname is most common in Ontario, where it was recorded in the 1901 census as belonging to nearly 250 people. Most of these individuals were living in the counties of Norfolk and Elgin.
In Australia, the last name Spragge is relatively common. It was first introduced to the region in the early 19th century by settlers from England. It is most common in the state of Victoria, and most of the individuals living with that name in this region live in the Warrnambool area.
Overall, the Spragge surname is still relatively common in the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, there is no significant concentration of the name in any one region, making it difficult to accurately pinpoint the places with the highest concentration of individuals who bear the name.
Variations of the surname Spragge
The surname Spragge is derived from the Middle English term "spragg" which means a small twig or shoot. Variants and different spellings of Spragge include Spragg, Spraggs, Spragues, and Spraggon. Similarly, there are other surnames derived from the same origin. These include Spragins, Spreng, Springer, Sprenger, and Sprengel.
Spragge is a relatively uncommon surname and is thought to be most highly concentrated in England, most specifically in Cumberland, Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is believed to have first been established in Lancashire when another surname variant, "Spraggon", was recorded there in the 13th century.
All of the variants of the Spragge surname have been combined as one family line in times past. For example, Richard Spraggs of Nutfield, England in 1631 and Roger Spragge of Rochdale, Manchester in 1642 are thought to have descended from John Spraggon of Barnoldswick in Lancashire in 1190.
TheSprague surname is derived from a French variation of Spragge "Espreg" which became "Esprie" or "de Esprie". There is also evidence of a Heinrich Sprenger who lived in Germany in the 1400s, is believed to have adopted the name from the similar Spragge surname.
In Australia, there were several Spraggs who migrated to Tasmania from England in the mid to late 1800s, though their connection to the aforementioned Spragge family is unknown. Additionally, there are three distinct Sprague family lines in the United States, one of which settled in Rhode Island in the mid-1600s.
Overall, the Spragge surname is a relatively uncommon name and has generated several variations in spelling and multiple surnames derived from its origin. There does appear to be multiple family lines in existence around the world, though their links have not been truly established.
Famous people with the name Spragge
- Sir John Arthur Bell Spragge: Canadian physician, soldier, and author. He was a leader in military medical roles during World War I.
- Paul Spragge: British rower who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
- Christine Spragge: Canadian former long-distance swimmer who held the world record for a 400-metre swim.
- Lady Maurice Spragge: British motor racing driver, one of the first superwomen of speed.
- Herbert A. Spragge: Canadian army officer who held numerous senior positions, including being commander of the Canadian Artillery Corps.
- Frances Spragge: Canadian artist and the first female professor of Fine Art at any Canadian university.
- Sir George Spragge: British general and colonial governor best known for his role in the Boer War.
- Raymond Spragge: Canadian sculptor best known for his portrait sculptures.
- David Spragge: Canadian diplomat, ambassador, and judge.
- Stephen Spragge: British architect who designed many iconic buildings in the 19th century.