Show ContentsSpruell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Spruell surname is generally thought to be a habitational name for one who came from "Spreull," a now extinct parish in Scotland. It is also possible that this surname is of nickname origin, derived from the Middle English word "spraule" indicating "one who walked or moved in a jerky or convulsive manner."

Early Origins of the Spruell family

The surname Spruell was first found in Dumbartonshire, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. The name was first found on record in documents dating from the 13th century.

Early History of the Spruell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Spruell research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1280, 1296, 1368, 1646, 1722 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Spruell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Spruell Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sproul, Sproule, Sprool, Spreul, Spruell,Sprewell, Spreull, Spreall, Sprall, Sproull and many more.

Early Notables of the Spruell family

More information is included under the topic Early Spruell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Spruell Ranking

In the United States, the name Spruell is the 15,045th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [1]

Ireland Migration of the Spruell family to Ireland

Some of the Spruell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 86 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Spruell migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Spruell Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Andrew Spruell, who arrived in Virginia in 1760 [2]

Contemporary Notables of the name Spruell (post 1700) +

  • Ray Spruell (1924-1990), American actor, known for his work on The Toy (1982), Mandingo (1975) and Uncle Tom's Cabin (1987)
  • Cristina Spruell, American actress, known for her work on Candy Apple (2016)
  • Freddie "Papa" Spruell (1893-1956), also known as Papa Freddie, an American Delta blues guitarist and singer
  • Sam Spruell (b. 1977), English actor, known for his roles in Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), The Hurt Locker (2008) and K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)


The Spruell Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Manet in aeterum
Motto Translation: It endureth forever.


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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