KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The name ‘Hotspur’ originates from the famed English knight Sir Henry Percy, known for his fierce character on and off the battlefield.
  • Tottenham Hotspur’s inception includes a unique blend of local pride and historical homage.
  • ‘Spurs’ is a widely used nickname for Tottenham Hotspur, originating simply from shortening the club’s full name, but reflects the club’s constant drive and action.

Tottenham Hotspur, commonly known as Spurs, are one of only six clubs never to have been relegated from the Premier League. Given their longstanding presence in English football’s top tier, you’d think fans and the media would have settled on calling them either ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ or ‘Spurs’ by now.

Unusually, Tottenham are the only club in England regularly referred to by their nickname, with ‘Spurs’ becoming a common shorthand in the sport. Yet, there’s something undeniably more professional and traditional about saying the full name, Tottenham Hotspur – a name that emits pride, history, and a sense of glory. But why exactly is the ‘Hotspur’ part of their name? Let’s dive into the history of one of the biggest football clubs in London.

The Origin of ‘Hotspur’

Sir Henry Percy’s influence

When you think of Premier League club nicknames in football, the historical origins aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, the name ‘Hotspur’ has a unique and fascinating backstory that begins with Sir Henry Percy, an English knight known for his fiery and fearless character on the battlefield. Percy’s reputation for speed and tenacity earned him the nickname ‘Hotspur’- a reference to the hot spurs on his boots which he used to drive his horse forward with incredible speed.

Percy’s legacy extended beyond the battlefield and into English literature. The knight was mentioned by none other than William Shakespeare, who featured him as ‘Harry Hotspur’ in the play King Henry IV, Part 1.

Even today, the echoes of Percy’s importance are close to home for Spurs fans. Percy House, now home to the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, was built by his descendants and stands right next to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.