This is a patronymic alternative spelling of the Olde French nickname surname "Espeche" which translates literally as "The Woodpecker" but factually was given to a medieval herald or spokesman - one who spoke. The surname means "The son of speak" or "little speak" and derives from the addition of the suffix "Petit" - later shortened to "et" or "ett" or even "ot". The name development includes Katherin Speckett who married John Tanner at St. Margarets Church, Westminster on October 13th 1656, whilst John Spickett was a witness at the christening of his son John at the Church of St. Bartholomew's Exchange, London on February 29th 1807. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Adrian Speecatt, which was dated October 5th 1626, married Elizabeth Greene at St. Giles, Cripplegate London, during the reign of King Charles I, "The Martyr", 1625 - 1649. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.