Surname Speritt - Meaning and Origin

Speritt: What does the surname Speritt mean?

The last name Speritt is derived from the Anglo-Saxon surname of the same spelling and is of locational origin. It has two probable sources, with one being the Old Norse personal name Spear-Þór, which was borne by a Viking chieftain of the 10th century. The second source for the surname is derived from the Old English pre-7th century term "Spearhroc," which translates to "clearing where spears are found," which was likely near a wooded area.

The spelling of the surname, as it appears in the register of the Poll Tax of Yorkshire in 1379, is as Sprath. The modern spelling of the surname can be found in Martin Spencer of London, who married Mary Schriber in 1592. The first recorded spelling of the surname dates back to 1296, when John Sprith was recorded in the Cambridge rolls of Cambridgeshire.

The surname Speritt is an uncommon one, with its first recorded occurrence in the United States occurring in the 1630s when Wilhelmus Speritt arrived in New York. Today, it is most commonly found in parts of the North West United States, with a handful of families in other parts of the country. The name is most likely of Middle English origin, with the corresponding meaning of "spear healer" or "skill with a spear."

Speritt: Where does the name Speritt come from?

Today, the last name Speritt is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census of 2000, there are only three recorded occurrences of Speritt as a surname across the country. The largest concentration is in New York State, at two people. The other occurrence is from Michigan. It is possible that some other Speritts may exist, but simply have not been recorded in a census.

The origin of the Speritt surname is unknown. Some speculate that it is derived from the Latin phrase ‘Spiritus.’ This phrase is typically used in Christian and Catholic contexts and means ‘spirit.’ Alternatively, the name may be derived from a location or a trade.

The rarity of the name Speritt today is interesting, given its prevalence in the past. It was first recorded in the United States in 1848, when John Speritt, a German immigrant, became a naturalized citizen in New York. By 1900, there were at least 20 people actively using this name in the country.

Overall, the last name Speritt is relatively uncommon today, with only three recorded occurrences across the US. Despite this, there is still a mystery surrounding its origin and past prevalence.

Variations of the surname Speritt

The surname Speritt is a surname of French origin thought to come from the Old French word ‘esperit’, meaning spirit. Variants for the surname include Spreytte, Spieritt, Spryat, Spriet, and Spryette. Speyritt, Spreitt and Sprett are other variant spellings.

The surname is also found in other countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic, where variants may include Speeritt, Sperevacz, Spriet, and Sprytek.

In areas such as England, Scotland, and Ireland, variants of the name may include Spreeat, Spreit, Sperett, Sprat, Spreett, Sprite, Speat and Speerit.

Most variant spellings are a result of adoption by different families and cultures. In early records, some of these surnames may be spelled Spreit, Sperett or Spreytte. In the Middle Ages, the name changed to Spriet and then to Spryat.

In the United States, the spelling Speritt is most-commonly found as both a given name and a surname. The more common spellings tend to be Speerit, Sprit, Speritt, and Spreit.

Similar surnames to Spertrit include Spiritt, Spreutt, and Sprott. All these spellings and surnames are of the same origin.

In conclusion, the surname Speritt has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin which come from the Old French word 'esperit' meaning spirit. Variants of the surname include Spreytte, Spieritt, Spryat, Spriet, and Spryette as well as Speyritt, Spreitt and Sprett. In other countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic, variants may include Speeritt, Sperevacz, Spriet, and Sprytek, whereas in England, Scotland, and Ireland, variants may include Spreeat, Spreit, Sperett, Sprat, Spreett, Sprite, Speat and Speerit. In the United States, the more common spellings tend to be Speerit, Sprit, Speritt, and Spreit. Similar surnames to Spertrit include Spiritt, Spreutt, and Sprott.

Famous people with the name Speritt

• William Speritt: Former American Football running back
• Rich Speritt: Former Professional Baseball pitcher
• James Speritt: Former pro basketball player
• Anna Speritt: Chess Grandmaster
• Terry Speritt: Olympic gold medalist in the sport of javelin
• Will Speritt: Jazz musician and composer
• Deborah Speritt: American songwriter
• Josh Speritt: Comedian and actor
• Larry Speritt: Television writer and producer
• Amanda Speritt: Pop singer and songwriter

Other surnames

SperinSpering