Sperlich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Sperlich

What does the name Sperlich mean?

The Sperlich family emerged in Pomerania, a territory of Germany and a maritime province of Prussia. Pomerania was bounded on the south by Brandenburg, on the west by Mecklenburg, and on the east by Poland. During the 5th century, Pomerania was settled by Pommern, who were a Slavic tribe. Pommern, meaning on the sea, became the name of this region during the reign of the Charlemagne.

Early Origins of the Sperlich family

The surname Sperlich was first found in Mecklenburg, where the family was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status during the continual struggle caused by the aristocratic resistance to imperial centralization. They branched into many houses, and their allegiance was sought by many leaders in their search for power. Chronicles first mention Johann Sperling of Rostock, Mecklenburg, in 1285; Peczuld Sperling of Liegnitz, Silesia, in 1382; and Ulrich der Sperl of Bavaria in 1383. Interestingly, Sperling was the epithet of Duke Henry VIII of Silesia.

Early History of the Sperlich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sperlich research. Another 210 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1530, 1554 and 1767 are included under the topic Early Sperlich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sperlich Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sperl, Sperle, Sperling, Sperlich (Silesia) and many more.

Early Notables of the Sperlich family

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

Migration of the Sperlich family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Peter Sperling, who arrived in the New World in 1709 at the age of 47 with his wife and six children. Andreas Sperling came to Philadelphia in 1767; John Sperl in 1856.

Contemporary Notables of the name Sperlich (post 1700) +

Peter Werner Sperlich (b. 1934), from Breslau, Silesia, became a prominent American political scientist
Harold Sperlich (b. 1929), Vice-President of Ford Motor Company, then the Assistant to the President for European Automotive Operations, and finally the President of Chrysler Motors (1985-)