McSparring History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The western seacoast of Scotland and the rugged Hebrides islands made up the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, the ancestral home of the McSparring family. McSparring is a name for a person who carried a sporran, which is the purse worn with the kilt in Highland Scottish dress. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac-an-sporain, which means son of the purse.

Early Origins of the McSparring family

The surname McSparring was first found in on the Isle of Iona, 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.

Early History of the McSparring family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McSparring research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1745 is included under the topic Early McSparring History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McSparring Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name McSparring include many spelling variations. They include They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. MacSporran, MacSparran and others.

Early Notables of the McSparring family

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

Migration of the McSparring family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first McSparrings to arrive in North America: Archibald McSparran, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1773; Archibald and Malcolm McSparran settled in New York State in 1833.

The McSparring 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: Per mare per terras
Motto Translation: By sea and by land.