Surname Sprott - Meaning and Origin

Sprott: What does the surname Sprott mean?

The last name Sprott is of English origin and is found most frequently in Scotland and northern England. The name likely originated as a nickname implying someone who was a "spritely" or "energetic" person. The surname is thought to come from the old English word "sprote", which means a jester or prankster. Over time, it may have become Anglicized to "Sprott" or "Spratt".

The earliest record of the surname is from 1221, when one Reginald Sprott appeared as a witness in a document relating to land in Scotland. Later records from the 1300s and 1400s reference the name in Scotland and northern England, including mentions of Richard sprotte of Holme Cultram and Robert Sprotte of Harperigs.

Today, Sprott is a fairly uncommon surname, but still primarily found in Scotland and northern England. There is also a notable population of Sprotts in Canada, suggesting that a significant segment of the family emigrated from the British Isles in the 1600s-1800s. Most living Sprotts trace their lineage to those original settlers.

Sprott: Where does the name Sprott come from?

The last name Sprott is quite common in English-speaking countries today. In the United Kingdom, it is the 392nd most common name and the 542nd most common surname in the United States. In Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, it is likewise a moderately common surname.

The Sprott surname is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it is still quite prominent, as it ranks 60th in the country overall. It is also commonly found in Northern Ireland, although not nearly as common as in Scotland. Similarly, in Ireland proper, the name appears quite frequently, although not to the same degree as in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In the United States, the name Sprott is especially common in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, and Arkansas. In Louisiana, it is even the most common version of Sprott, while in Mississippi and Oklahoma it is the 2nd most common.

In Canada, the Sprott surname is most predominant in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, while in New Zealand, it is more common in Auckland, the nation's largest city, than any other part of the country.

Overall, the Sprott surname is a moderately common one, especially amongst English-speaking countries. Although it has its origins in Scotland, it has since spread far and wide, with its prevalence in the United States and Canada making it particularly common in those regions.

Variations of the surname Sprott

Sprott is a surname of English origin that dates back to the pre-medieval period of Britain. The earliest known reference to the name was in the royal charter of Wiltshire, England in 1140 AD. The original spelling of the surname was Sprot. Over time, variations in spelling have been adopted, including Sprott, Sprat, Spratt and Sprattes.

Sprott is also a variant of the similar sounding surname Sprat. The early references to the Sprat spelling are found in Wiltshire in the 11th century. The most commonly adopted variant in England today is Sprat. The Spratt family in Wiltshire is believed to be descended from the Sprotts.

In Scotland, the surname Sprott also has an equivalent form, which is Neish. The earliest references to the Neish spelling are found in Aberdeenshire in the 14th century. The Neish spelling is particularly common in Scotland, and is still used in some parts of the country today.

It has also been suggested that Sprott is a variant of the Welsh name Prothero. The name Prothero is derived from the Welsh word ‘proth’, meaning ‘valley’. Given the historical ties between southern England and Wales, it is not impossible that the two surnames could be related.

Overall, the surname Sprott has a number of variants, spellings and corresponding surnames, all of which have their roots in early English, Scottish and Welsh history.

Famous people with the name Sprott

• Jack Sprott: Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and author. Jack Sprott has been an influential figure in the business world, focused on mergers and acquisitions. He is also a major donor to a number of charities and foundations.
• Jeffrey Sprott: Canadian mathematician, physicist, and scientist. Jeffrey Sprott is the director of the Sprott Research Institute at Carleton University. He has conducted research in a range of fields, including biochemistry, genetics, and biophysics.
• David Sprott: Canadian economist and professor. David Sprott is an expert on macroeconomics, having served as a professor at Queen’s University, as well as a consultant for the World Bank and the United Nations.
• Andrew Sprott: Canadian lawyer and politician. Andrew Sprott is the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Yukon. He also served on the Supreme Court of the Yukon and is currently in legal practice.
• Michael Sprott: British professional boxer. Michael Sprott holds the Commonwealth heavyweight title and has fought in numerous major bouts across Europe.
• June Sprott: Canadian singer-songwriter. June Sprott is a prolific folk musician who has released multiple albums of her own music. She has also toured extensively in both Europe and North America.

Other surnames

Sprote