| ![Show Contents]() Sperring History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Sperring is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a young or very active individual, which was originally derived from the Old English word spring literally meaning the season spring. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. This nickname surname was used to describe the original bearers character as it related to the young shoots in the ground when they would rise from the earth in the spring. Early Origins of the Sperring familyThe surname Sperring was first found in Suffolk where they were major landowners in East Anglia seated from very ancient times, as Lords of the manor of Lavenham, the family were important merchants in the cloth and wool trade during the Middle Ages. The Spring or DeFonte family claim descendancy through Norman, Peter, William, Hugh de Fonte in Normandy who were listed there in a census (1180-1195.) The earliest record of the name in England was found c. 1198 when Reginald and Emma de Fonte were listed there at that time. 1 Houghton Le Side in Durham was an ancient family seat. "The vill was a portion of the inheritance of the early lords of Raby, and was granted by Robert Fitz-Mildred to the Springs, of whom Sir John Spring was, in 1312, murdered in his manorhouse here by Robert Lascelles, of Yorkshire." 2 and nearby in Houghton Le Spring more early evidence of the family was found. "This place, which takes its name from a family to whom it belonged soon after the Conquest, is one of the great manors of the see of Durham." 2 Early History of the Sperring familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sperring research. Another 174 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1311, 1313, 1369, 1390, 1474, 1523, 1547, 1578, 1579, 1597, 1599, 1613, 1637, 1642, 1646, 1648, 1654, 1672, 1674, 1679, 1684, 1697, 1704, 1737, 1740 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Sperring History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Sperring Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Sperring have been found, including Spring, Springe, Springs, Springes, Springer and others. Early Notables of the Sperring familyDistinguished members of the family include Thomas Spring (c.1474-1523), also referred to as Thomas Spring III, and Thomas Spring of Lavenham, an English clothier in Suffolk and one of the richest men in England at the time; Sir John Spring (d. 1547), of Lavenham, Buxhall, Hitcham, and Cockfield, Suffolk, was an English merchant and politician; Sir William Spring of Lavenham (died 1599), an English politician and merchant, High Sheriff of Suffolk in 1578-1579; Sir William Spring of...
Another 77 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sperring Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Sperring family to Ireland
Some of the Sperring family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Sperring migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Sperring Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- George Sperring, aged 20, who arrived in South Australia in 1850 aboard the ship "Trafalgar" 3
- William Sperring, aged 58, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Chatham" 4
- Hester Sperring, aged 22, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Oriental,"
| Contemporary Notables of the name Sperring (post 1700) | + |
- William F. Sperring, American politician, Mayor of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, 1929 5
- Tom Sperring, English musician, known for his work with Amber Run, a British indie rock band from Nottingham
- Mark Sperring, British writer, known for CBeebies Bedtime Story (2006)
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: Non mihi sed patriae
Motto Translation: Not for myself, but for my country.
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Sperring migration to Australia 
England
Ireland
