Map of England showing where the Sprague arms are recorded
The Sprague arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Sprague arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Sprague Family in England
The name Sprague is believed to have originated in England, where it was often used as a descriptive nickname for a person who was considered lively, quick, or energetic. By the early 17th century, members of the family were well-established in the region of York. In 1629, three brothers named Ralph, Richard, and William Sprague departed from England to seek new opportunities in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They were among the first settlers to arrive in the area that would eventually become Charlestown. Their early presence in the colony helped shape the development of local government and community life in New England. The family name remains a notable part of early colonial history because of these brothers and their contributions to the growth of the first settlements.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
spræc
Old English word meaning speech or language.
This name
SpragueA nickname for a lively, talkative, or articulate person.
also spelled
Sprague
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Frothingham, Richard. The History of Charlestown, Massachusetts. 1845
Pope, Charles Henry. The Pioneers of Massachusetts. 1900
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
leafHappiness and abundance
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
leafHappiness and abundance
