Surname Sprowl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Sprowl: What does the surname Sprowl mean?
The last name Sprowl is of English or German origin and is generally considered to be a variation of the name Sprague, which is derived from the Old English word sprecan, meaning "to speak or talk". The name is likely a reference to someone deemed to be a good conversationalist.
Throughout history, the Sprowl surname has had a few different spellings, including Sporl, Sporrel, Sporrill, and so on. The name has been prevalent in the United States for centuries, and the understanding is that families carrying it originated in either Germany or England. Immigrants bearing the Sprowl name first appeared on the American continent in the mid-1700s.
Descendants of the Sprowl family are found primarily in Pennsylvania and then throughout the rest of the nation. Notable Sprowl family members include Reverend William Sprowl Sr., a minister in Warminster, Pennsylvania during the 18th century, and Chief Petty Officer Donald Sprowl Sr., who served in the United States Navy during the Second World War.
Today, people with the Sprowl last name are a mix of several nationalities and creeds, all of which remain proud of their above-mentioned heritage. Common characteristics include a friendly disposition and a strong command of the English language. Despite its linguistic root, the Sprowl name is usually associated with a generous spirit and creative outlook on life.
Order DNA origin analysisSprowl: Where does the name Sprowl come from?
The last name Sprowl is not particularly common today, as it is an uncommon surname. It is most found in the United States and Canada, where the majority of Sprowls live. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020 there were just over 5,000 people with this last name in the United States. This is a small number in comparison to other popular names such as Smith, Johnson and Williams, which together make up more than 10% of all surnames.
Historically, the Sprowl surname originated in Germany in the 1600s. The meaning of the name is not clear, but one suggestion is its origins in the word "sprawl". Sprowl is thought to have evolved from the German word "Sprull" meaning "stream". Alternatively, the name has been connected to the German word for "guard", as it was probably used by members of the guard at the time.
Most records from Germany indicate the Sprowls came from the Rhine River valley. Although Sprowl remains an uncommon surname in the US today, it has become much more common over the years as the population has grown and spread out. As of 2020, the largest population centers for the Sprowl name were in Michigan, California, Georgia, and Texas.
Variations of the surname Sprowl
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Sprowl include Spraul, Sprauell, Spell, Sprall, Sprowal, Sprowell, Spruell, Spruill, Spruel, Sprul, Sprulle, Spoley, Spole, Spool, Spoul, and Spoull.
The variants of the component parts of the surname Sprowl are ‘spr’ which is from the Old English pre 7th Century “spreaw” meaning 'spray' or ‘spur’ which is from the Middle English “spur” meaning 'brief'. The surnames Spraul and Sprauell are derived from the Old French word “espreu” meaning ‘spasm’, while the surnames Spell and Sprall stem from the Middle English “spele” meaning 'slim' or 'slender'. The surnames Sprowal and Sprowell come from the Old English “spreaw” meaning'spray' or 'sparrow'.
The surnames Spruell and Spruill, similarly, are derived from the Old German term “sprutel” meaning 'sparrow'. The surname Spruel and Sprul are derived from the Old French word “espreu” meaning 'spasm', while the surnames Sprulle and Spoley are derived from the Middle English “spoyle” meaning 'spool'. The surnames Spole and Spool derive from the Middle English “spole” which is a diminutive of ‘spool’, while the surnames Spoul and Spoull come from the Old French “espole” meaning 'small stick'.
Famous people with the name Sprowl
- Ryan Sprowl: actor, director and voice artist
- Shiloh Sprowl: YouTube influencer and vlogger
- Carissa Sprowl: professional wrestler and MMA fighter
- Dave Sprowl Jnr.: YouTube gamer and video producer
- Dick Sprowl: former NBA basketball player
- Jane Sprowl: Oscar-nominated film director
- Jeff Sprowl: country singer and songwriter
- Tyler Sprowl: professional mountain biker and motocross racer
- Stu Sprowl: Major League Baseball player of the 1970s
- Kiley Sprowl: punk rock musician and songwriter