Spurlin/Spurling, Sparlin/Sparling, Sperlin/Sperling, Spirlin/Spirling This surname is believed to be of German or Dutch origin and was originally a form of Sperling meaning "sparrow" in Germanic languages. There may also have been lines from the British Isles. Current member tests confirm a Proto-Germanic origin for "Big John" Spurling born circa 1740 who died 1821 in Lincoln County, NC. He's nicknamed "Big John" among researchers because he had 23 named descendants.