Sparren History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Sparren

What does the name Sparren mean?

Scotland's coastal mountains and Hebrides islands were known in ancient times as the kingdom of Dalriada. The name Sparren evolved there as a nickname 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 Sparren family

The surname Sparren 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 Sparren family

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

Sparren Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Sparren has been spelled MacSporran, MacSparran and others.

Early Notables of the Sparren family

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

Migration of the Sparren family

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, Clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The Sparren were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: Archibald McSparran, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1773; Archibald and Malcolm McSparran settled in New York State in 1833.

The Sparren 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.