Sparrkes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Sparrkes is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came 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 Sparrkes family

The surname Sparrkes 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 Sparrkes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sparrkes 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 Sparrkes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sparrkes Spelling Variations

Spelling 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 Sparrkes have been found, including Sparke, Spark, Sparkes, Sparks and others.

Early Notables of the Sparrkes family

Notables of the family at this time include John Sparke (died 1566), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Plympton Erle in 1554; John Sparke (d.1603) of Plymouth, Devon, Mayor of Plymouth in 1583 and 1591; and his son, John Sparke (c. 1574-1640), an English politician from The Friary, in the parish of St Jude, Plymouth, Devon, who sat in the House of Commons from 1628 to 1629; and his grandson, John Sparke (1636-1680) an English landowner and...
Another 78 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sparrkes Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sparrkes family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Sparrkes, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : John Sparks who settled in Virginia in 1621; George Sparke who settled in Virginia in 1623; Robert Sparkes settled in Maryland in 1663; Thomas Sparkes settled in Virginia in 1616.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.