Spain Family History

English (Kent) and Irish (Tipperary and Offaly) are names of Norman origin, derived from a habitational name from Épaignes (Eure), which was recorded as Hispania in the 12th century. It was probably named so because it was established by colonists from Spain during the Roman Empire.

Another habitational name of Norman origin comes from Espinay (Ille-et-Vilaine) in Brittany. This placename derives from Old French espinee, a collective form of espine, meaning ‘thorn’.

Additionally, the term may refer to a nickname for a Spaniard from Middle English Spain(e) ‘Spain’ (Old French Espaigne). In Ireland, it can also be a descriptive name for someone who had been to Spain, originating from Gaelic Spáinneach, meaning ‘Spanish’.

During the 17th-century wars, many Irish Catholics took refuge in Spain, contributing to the association of the name with Spanish heritage.