Spark History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of SparkWhat does the name Spark mean? The Spark family name is linked to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from the baptismal name Sparrowhawk, and in " 'the son of Sparrowhawk'; found as early as Domesday [Book] in the forms Sperhauoc (Nottinghamshire) [and] Sparhauoc (Suffolk.)" 1 The name could have been a nickname as in 'the sparrow - hawk,' having derived from the Middle English word "sperhauke." Another source notes the name could have been derived from the Old Norse words "sparkr" or "sproek" which meant "lively, sprightly." 2 Early Origins of the Spark familyThe surname Spark was first found in Lincolnshire where William Sperc was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1202. A few years later, Ralph Sparke was listed in Suffolk in 1221. 2 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list Sparhcuk Sutor in Suffolk; Thomas Sperheuk in Lincolnshire; and Nicholas Sparke in Norfolk. 1 John Sparhauk was rector of St Buttolph the Abbot, Norwich in 1351 and Kirby's Quest listed Gilbert Sperhauk in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year of Edward III's reign.) 3 Later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 lists Magota Spark and Robertus Spark as both living there at that time. 1 Early History of the Spark familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Spark research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1407, 1548, 1554, 1566, 1574, 1583, 1584, 1591, 1603, 1604, 1613, 1616, 1628, 1629, 1636, 1640, 1660, 1677, 1680, 1683, 1692, 1698 and 1740 are included under the topic Early Spark History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Spark Spelling VariationsUntil the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Spark include Sparke, Spark, Sparkes, Sparks and others. Early Notables of the Spark familyNotables of the family at this time include
Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Spark were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Spark Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Spark Settlers in United States in the 18th CenturySpark Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Spark Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Spark Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Spark Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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