The surname Sproul is of Scottish origin. It is derived from a place name in Scotland. The name Sproul is a topographic name which is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word “spreol” meaning “a little sparrow”. It is also possible that the name could have been derived from a personal name, “Spreol”, which is a diminutive form of “Spreot”.
The first recorded spelling of the family name was in 1296, in the "Records of the Abbey of Holyrood", Edinburgh, Scotland. It was here that one William Spreul was recorded, who was a witness to a charter. The name has been found in various forms including Spreule, Sprowle, Sproill, and Sproule.
Origin of the Sproul Surname
The earliest mention of the Sproul surname is found in records from the mid-12th century, in the parish of Colmonell, Ayrshire, Scotland. The surname is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word “spreol” meaning “a little sparrow”. It is believed that the name was used to describe someone who was small or slight of stature.
The surname is also found in the United States, where it was first introduced in the 17th century by migrants from Scotland and England. The first known bearer of the name in the United States was William Sproul, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1702.
Variations of the Sproul Surname
The Sproul surname has been found in various forms throughout history. In Scotland, the surname is found in the forms of Spreule, Sprowle, Sproill, and Sproule. In the United States, the surname is found as Sproul, Sprowl, Sproule, Sprewell, and Spruell, among other variations.
Notable People With the Sproul Surname
Notable people with the Sproul surname include:
- William Sproul (1702-1761), American politician
- Robert Sproul (1917-1999), American academic
- John Sproul (1794-1878), American politician
- John Sproul (1845-1930), American industrialist
- Henry Sproul (1856-1939), American politician
- John Sproul (1886-1974), American football player
- John Sproul (1890-1965), American actor
- George Sproul (1893-1971), American naval officer
- John Sproul (1908-1995), American football player
- Robert Sproul (1917-1999), American academic
People Also Ask
What is the origin of the name Sproul?
The surname Sproul is of Scottish origin. It is derived from a place name in Scotland. The name Sproul is a topographic name which is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word “spreol” meaning “a little sparrow”.
What are other forms of the Sproul surname?
In Scotland, the surname is found in the forms of Spreule, Sprowle, Sproill, and Sproule. In the United States, the surname is found as Sproul, Sprowl, Sproule, Sprewell, and Spruell, among other variations.
Who are some notable people with the Sproul surname?
Notable people with the Sproul surname include: William Sproul (1702-1761), American politician; Robert Sproul (1917-1999), American academic; John Sproul (1794-1878), American politician; John Sproul (1845-1930), American industrialist; Henry Sproul (1856-1939), American politician; John Sproul (1886-1974), American football player; John Sproul (1890-1965), American actor; George Sproul (1893-1971), American naval officer; John Sproul (1908-1995), American football player; and Robert Sproul (1917-1999), American academic.
Where is the Sproul surname most commonly found?
The Sproul surname is most commonly found in Scotland and the United States. It is believed that the surname was first introduced to the United States in the 17th century by migrants from Scotland and England.
What is the meaning of the Sproul surname?
The meaning of the Sproul surname is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word “spreol” meaning “a little sparrow”. It is believed that the name was used to describe someone who was small or slight of stature.
The Sproul surname has a long and rich history, and its various forms can be found around the world. It is believed to have originated in Scotland and was brought to the United States by migrants from Scotland and England. The meaning of the surname is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word “spreol” meaning “a little sparrow”, and it is believed to have been used to describe someone who was small or slight of stature. Notable people with the surname include William Sproul (1702-1761), American politician; Robert Sproul (1917-1999), American academic; and John Sproul (1845-1930), American industrialist.