Surname Spreng - Meaning and Origin
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Spreng: What does the surname Spreng mean?
The last name Spreng is an occupational surname from Germany, derived from the Middle High German words "sprengen" or "sprinc", which mean "to sprinkle". This means that the name is likely a reference to someone who was a sprinkler, or who handled sprinkling duties.
The occupation of sprinkling often refers to various duties that would have been associated with very particular roles in German society. This could include stone cutting, quarrying, woodjoinery, milling, and even digging ditches. Generally, people with this name likely worked in one or more of these roles.
The use of this name may also have been associated with sprinkling duties carried out by farmers or gardeners, such as during sowing or harvesting. Other duties may have been anything from clearing mine tunnels, handyman jobs, or medieval military engineering works.
Due to its long history in Germany, the Spreng surname is believed to be one of the oldest surnames in German language and traditionally refers to a person with an important or respected profession. Depending on the version of the surname, it may also refer to the location the person was originally from, such as the city of Spremberg in Brandenburg, or any other location where the duty was performed.
Order DNA origin analysisSpreng: Where does the name Spreng come from?
The last name Spreng is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is most prevalent in these countries in the commands of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in Germany, and Vorarlberg in Austria. Though the origins of the name remain unknown, it is believed to have come from the old German word sprengen, which means “to break.”
As of 2020, there have been approximately 6,000 individuals with the name Spreng living in Germany; 1,500 in Switzerland; 1,200 in Austria; and hundreds scattered throughout the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. This global population is relatively small and concentrated in the German-speaking countries, making it a rare surname.
The Spreng family is of old noble lineage and traces its history back to the 14th century. At that time they were closely connected with the counts of Saarbrücken. Since then, Sprengs have established themselves all over, with the notable exception of the United States, though the family has spread to the southwest, particularly Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Today, the Spreng family carries on its rich history, with loyal members remaining in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Those lucky enough to have the name carry the prestige associated with a long line of accomplished persons.
Variations of the surname Spreng
The surname Spreng is derived from the German word sprengen, meaning "to break, burst or shatter". It is believed to have originated from an ancestor's occupation as a miner or stone cutter. Variants of the surname Spreng include Sprang, Spragg, Sprenger, Sprong, Sprungle, Sprengel, Spraengle, Sprengeler, Sprengle, Spraengler, Spraengl, Spraenger, Spraenkel, Sprengli, Sprengl, Spraenkle, Spraingles, and Spraenkler.
The surname is also found in other languages with modified spellings. In Dutch-speaking countries, such as Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, the spelling typically changes to Sprang, Spangaard or Spangen. In Irish and Scottish Gaelic, it is commonly found as Spreangach, Sprenlaidh or Sprenlacha. In Yiddish, it is found as Spring or Sprenger. In Polish, variants include Spleten, Spregel or Splen.
The surname Spreng is also known by other names which are derived from its primary form, such as Springman, Springborn and Springmeier. These variations are most commonly found among German-speaking communities.
Famous people with the name Spreng
- Tilman Sprenger: German scholar and Professor of Arabic, Oriental Studies, and Semitic Languages in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the Carolinum (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)
- Carsten Sprenger: German businessman and former CEO of Ströer SE
- Lilly Sprenger: German model, actress, and comedian
- Hugo Sprenger: German Olympic runner who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympic Games in Paris
- Hannelore Sprenger: German swimmer who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich
- Sebastian Sprenger: German footballer who currently plays for Hertha BSC
- Bill Sprenger: American Major League Baseball player
- Michael Sprenger: German composer, songwriter, and singer
- Thomas Sprenger: Austrian ski jumper who won the 2002/03 Four Hills Tournament
- Nico Sprenger: German Kitesurfer who won the 2016 World Championships