Surname Spratling - Meaning and Origin
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Spratling: What does the surname Spratling mean?
The surname Spratling is of English origin and is generally considered to be topographic or occupational. The root of the name is believed to be derived from the term "sprat", which refers to a small kind of fish. When combined with the Old English suffix "ling," which typically denotes something small or minor, it's possible the name could mean "small sprat" or "small fisherman." It's also possible that the name was given to someone who lived where sprats were commonly found or where sprat-fishing occurred. Like many surnames of its time, Spratling was likely used to describe a profession, specific characteristic, or place of living of an individual or family. However, the precise origin and meaning of the surname Spratling can vary and be subject to different interpretations.
Order DNA origin analysisSpratling: Where does the name Spratling come from?
The last name Spratling is most common today in the United States, where it appears in the top 3000 surnames. The Spratlings originated in the UK; however, many Spratlings immigrated to the United States in the 19th century. Since then, the name has become more widely spread throughout the country.
Statistically, the most concentration of Spratlings today is found in the Southern region of the United States, particularly in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Records indicate that some of the earliest Spratling families to settle in America were in these states, suggesting a strong presence of lines in the region has been maintained. Texas is the next area of the United States where Spratlings appear to have a strong presence, while sightings of the name are also reported in Alaska and California.
Outside of the United States, smaller populations of the Spratling name exist in Canada, Australia, Scotland, and South Africa. In Canada, most Spratlings are found in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta. In Scotland, the name is most commonly seen in the Midlothian and Ayrshire regions. Lastly, in South Africa, arrivals of the Spratling family can be traced back to the late 1800s.
Given its extensive spread throughout the world, the Spratling last name is believed to likely have multiple sources, including migrations from Scotland, England, and Ireland.
Variations of the surname Spratling
The surname Spratling is an English name derived from the Old English pre-7th Century word "spreot" which means a sprout, shoot or twig. The ending "-ling" was a diminutive suffix, so the name was originally a nickname for a small, thin man or someone of a similar, delicate physical appearance. The surname Spratling has numerous variants and spellings in its history. Some of them include Sprottling, Sprottlinge, Sproteling and Sprotling.
In some cases, the spelling of the name has changed when different cultures immigrated outside of their native country. For example, in Germany, the surname would be written as Spröteling, or in The Netherlands as Sprotelings. The surname can also be found in Scotland, where it is written as Sprattling or Spratline.
In the United States, surnames available which are of the same origin as Spratling include Spratt, Spratte, Spratlen, Spruett, Sprout, Sproutle and Sprouth. Additionally, many people in the United States will have modified the spelling of the surname to Spratlin, Spratlyn, Spreutel, Spruetel or Sprutle.
In Canada, some of the most common variants are Sproule, Sprattel, Spratte, Sprattell and Sprattlen.
Finally, in Australia variants include Spratlen, Spratline, Sproull, Spruhl and Spruhtel.
Famous people with the name Spratling
- William Spratling: He was an American silversmith and entrepreneur who established the taxco silver industry in Mexico in the 1920s.
- Sterling Spratling: He is a former American football player in the National Football League who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
- Mike Spratling: He is an American track and field coach with notable success in sprinting.
- Anna Spratling: She is a well-known American artist, involved in various sculpture and installation projects.
- Don Spratling: He is an American architect and brother of William Spratling.
- Carl Spratling: He is an American football coach who has been the assistant head coach of Vanderbilt University.
- Gene Spratling: He is an American radio host and former Wall Street executive.
- Pete Spratling: He is an American basketball player who was a key player of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights team.
- Jay Spratling: He is an American musician who is the lead singer and guitarist of the band, The Grouch & Eligh.
- Thomas Spratling: He is an American writer and professor at the University of Colorado.