6,024 Global SPEIGHT Family Members

SPEIGHT Family History

Found in a number of different spellings including Spieght, Spight, Spaight, and Speight, this unusual surname was originally recorded only in Yorkshire. Its origins lie with the Olde English and Saxon word 'Speoht' which describes a 'Wood Pecker' and it is one of a medieval group of surnames which derive from nicknames associated with creatures. These nicknames were given to people whose personal characteristics were believed to match the specific animal or bird or even fish in question. Examples include Hawk, Eagle and Sparrow.