Spurgeon

Recorded in a number of spellings including Spurden, Spurdens, Spurgin, Spurgeon, and possibly others, this is an English surname. It has to be said that its original meaning is 'Not proven' but it is believed to be of pre 7th century Old Scandinavian origin. If so it is probably a form of the Norse personal name "Sprigin". This developed from the word "sprige" meaning a twig or branch; and the diminutive suffix "-in"; hence "Little branch". The "-eon" ending where it occurs, is thought to be an imitative spelling from existing words such as pigeon or surgeon. The development of the name includes the following examples: Simon Sprugin in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire in 1273; William Sprigin of Norfolk in 1275; Ralph Spraging of London in 1622; and Joseph Spurdens , a christening witness at St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, on December 5th 1631. Charles Spurgeon (1834 - 1892) was a preacher so popular that "Exeter Hall could not hold his congregation". A coat of arms associated with the name has the blazon of a silver field, a chevron engraved between three black escallops, and the motto "Non civium ardor", translating as 'Not the bravery of the citizens' . The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Sprigin. This was dated 1273, in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk, during the reign of King Edward 1st of England, 1272 - 1307.