This name is a combination of Olde English 'Spir or Spur' which was a nickname for 'a tall person', plus the French 'Petit'- meaning small or in this case 'Son of the Tall One'. The name probably derives from the Early Medieval period after The Norman Invasion of 1066, the first recording being early in the 13th Century, although the popularity was clear as it was recorded almost simultaneously in Norfolk, Suffolk and Yorkshire in the period 1206 - 1221. The modern spellings include Spurrett, Spirit, Spurett, Spearett, Speariett, etc. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Osbert Spirard (as spelt). which was dated 1206, The Pipe Rolls of Norfolk. during the reign of King John, Nickname, Lackland, 1199 - 1216. 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.