Surname Spurr - Meaning and Origin
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Spurr: What does the surname Spurr mean?
The surname Spurr originates from England and has Old Norse and Old English roots. Its meaning can be traced back to the Old Norse word "sporr", and the Old English word "spura" or "spurn", all of which mean "spur." This suggests a few possibilities for its origin. It might have been a nickname for a daring person who 'spurred' others into action or someone who made spurs, which is a device attached to the heel of a horse rider's boot that allows them to direct the horse. As a place name, it could refer to someone living in a spur of land or it might denote someone from a place named with these words. Therefore, the last name Spurr may be both an occupational and a topographic surname, reflecting the direct connection between the English people and their native land as well as their various professions.
Order DNA origin analysisSpurr: Where does the name Spurr come from?
The last name Spurr is most commonly found in England, concentrated primarily in The Midlands region, where it is the 53rd most common surname. It is also found in various other English counties such as Shropshire, Devon, Yorkshire and Dorset, as well in Wales - the Commissioners of Public Records have found that 2,500 people hold the Spurr surname in Wales.
Elsewhere, the surname Spurr is present in Canada, the United States, and Australia. The name is most notably present in the United States, where records reveal that 2,681 people held the name Spurr as of 2017. Of these, many reside in California, Pennsylvania, and New York - but the name is also present in states as far-reaching as Oklahoma, Arizona, and North Carolina.
The name Spurr also appears in Scotland and Ireland, but generally at a much lower frequency than in England. Despite variations in spelling, such as Spur, Spurrell, and Spurrier, researchers have found that the vast majority of people with this last name are in some way related.
Ultimately, the roots of the Spurr surname are believed to have originated from various places around Britain, including detailed records of a Spurr family originating from Buckinghamshire, England in the 12th century. Traces of the Spurr name can therefore be found spread across much of the English-speaking world today.
Variations of the surname Spurr
The surname Spurr is derived from a British surname of Old French origin. It is alternatively spelled as Spurre, Spure and Spur. It has also taken on numerous variants over time, such as Spurrier, Spurrell, Spurrier, Spurritt, Purr, Purre, Spoor, and Spurrelly.
The surname Spurr dates back to the 12th century when the Anglo-Norman language was spoken in Britain. The name is derived from an old word meaning 'sharp', 'pointed', or 'small track'. This term was used to describe a ford or river crossing, and the surname may thus have been given to a family who owned or lived near such a crossing.
Spurr was also a nickname for someone who behaved rashly or impetuously, and may have been adopted as a surname by a family whose ancestors were known for this trait. It could also have referred to someone with a sprightly personality, or to an individual who was adept with a weapon such as a spear or spurry – a type of medieval spear.
The variant spellings of the surname Spurr trace the many changes in English spelling conventions over the centuries, from the more phonetically spelled surname of Spure, though Spurre, Spurritt, Spurrier and Spurrelly to the contemporary spelling of Spurr. Despite the range of spellings, each carries the same sense of being derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman language.
Famous people with the name Spurr
- Wayne Spurr: British poet, translator and editor who is best known for his translations of Spanish and Italian poetry.
- Audrey Spurr: Missionary and nurse for the London Missionary Society in Uganda.
- Sam Spurr: Canadian politician who was the Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor from 1993 to 1997.
- Carl Spurr: American surrealist painter, best known for his whimsical and often dreamlike figures.
- Elias Spurr: American educator, naturalist, and botanist who founded two schools in the New England region.
- Maj. Spurr: A character in the novel Major Barbara by George Bernard Shaw
- Shalane Spurr: What-born scriptwriter, director and producer for film, television and educational videos
- Janet Spurr: Australian politician from the Liberal Party of Australia, representing the electoral district of Manly.
- Edward Spurr: British recipient of the Military Cross commendation during the 2 World War.
- Tim Spurr: British television and radio presenter, best known for his work on BBC Radio 2.