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Last Name Spall

What is the origin of the last name Spall?

The surname Spall is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "speal," which means a chip or splinter of wood. It may have been used as a nickname for someone who worked as a woodworker or carpenter. The name Spall may also have originated as a locational surname, referring to someone who lived near a place with the name Spall. The name has variant spellings including Spalle, Spale, and Spalles.

origin of the last name Spall

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spall

The meaning and origin of the last name Spall

Spall is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "spald" which means a small piece or splinter of wood. The name was likely given to someone who worked as a carpenter or who made wooden objects. Another possible origin of the surname is from the Old Norse word "spael" which means a bowl or dish made of wood. One famous bearer of the Spall surname is actor Timothy Spall, known for his roles in films such as "Harry Potter" and "Sweeney Todd". The name Spall has been found in records dating back to the 13th century in England, indicating its long history as a surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spall

The last name Spall is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Staffordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. There is also a significant presence of individuals with the surname Spall in Australia and New Zealand, likely due to historical migration patterns from the UK to these countries. In the United States, the distribution of the Spall surname is more scattered, with concentrations in states such as California, Illinois, and Texas. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Spall suggests that it is most prevalent in English-speaking countries with historical ties to the UK. Additionally, the surname may be found in other parts of the world due to international migration and the dispersal of individuals with the Spall name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spall

The last name Spall can have several variations and spellings, depending on regional and historical influences. Some common variations include Spalle, Spal, Spaul, and Spallding. These variations may have originated due to differences in dialects, accents, or transcription errors over time. Additionally, some individuals may have anglicized the surname to Spell or Spelling. In other cases, the name may have been altered to reflect a change in pronunciation or to conform to the spelling conventions of a particular language or culture. Despite these variations, the root of the surname Spall remains consistent and can be traced back to its original meaning and significance. Ultimately, the various spellings and iterations of the last name Spall serve as a testament to the evolution and complexity of surnames in genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Spall

Timothy Spall is a renowned English actor known for his versatile performances in both film and television. He has appeared in a variety of acclaimed movies such as "Mr. Turner," "The King's Speech," and the Harry Potter film series. Spall's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. Additionally, his son, Rafe Spall, has also followed in his father's footsteps and established himself as a successful actor in his own right. Together, the Spall family has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with their talent and passion for storytelling shining through in their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Spall

The surname Spall is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "spale" meaning a wooden post or stake. The name may have been a topographic or occupational surname for someone who lived near a wooden post, or it could have indicated a carpenter or woodworker. Variations of the surname Spall include Spaull, Spaul, and Spalt. The earliest recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Norfolk, England. Throughout history, the Spall family has been predominantly located in the East of England, particularly in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Famous individuals with the surname Spall include British actor Timothy Spall, known for his roles in films such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Mr. Turner. Further genealogical research on the Spall family could reveal more about their origins and lineage.

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