Surname Meares - Meaning and Origin
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Meares: What does the surname Meares mean?
The surname Meares is of English origin and is believed to be a geographical name, derived from the Old English word 'mere', which means 'pond, pool or lake'. Thus, it could have been used to denote someone who lived near such a feature. This surname took on several forms over time including Mere, Meres, Myre, Myres, Meares and others, with varying prefixes and suffixes.
It's important to remember that surnames originated for the purpose of more specific identification in the times when populations were growing and it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with the same first names. Therefore, the surname Meares would have been used to identify 'the person living near a lake or pond'.
Like many surnames, Meares can also be found as a place name in the UK, specifically a village located in Somerset. While it is not always the case that a surname and a location with the same name are connected, it is possible that the surname could have originated from the location. It could be that the early holders of this name came from the village, or perhaps, were the owners or rulers of it.
Order DNA origin analysisMeares: Where does the name Meares come from?
The surname Meares is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "O'Midhir," which means "one who is always active." It is an anglicized form of the Irish name O’Meidhir.
In early centuries, the Meares family lived in County Offaly in Ireland. Over time, some family members migrated to other countries due to various socio-political and economic reasons. Today, the surname is found in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Some variations of this last name include Mears, Meers, and O'Meares.
It's common in many regions today, but it's notably prevalent in England, Ireland, and the United States. However, it is not considered among the most commonly found surnames in these countries. The Meares family has also produced several notable individuals throughout history, such as Robert Meares, an Irishman who became a British naval officer and explorer during the late 18th century.
Variations of the surname Meares
The surname Meares has various derivatives and alternate spellings, based on geographic location, migration, and language evolution. Variants include Mears, Meeres, Mayor, Mayers, Mare, Mayer, Mair, Meare, and Meyers. These versions may result from phonetic transcriptions or translations throughout history.
Old English origins of the name, dating back to pre 7th century, are generally traced back to the word "mære" meaning boundary or border, indicating a residence at such a location. An alternate Old English origin ties to "mearc" meaning mark or sign, which influenced the name's link to a boundary or territory marker, or one who created such marks.
In Frisian Dutch, Irish and Yiddish origins, versions include Meijer, Meyer, and O'Meagher, relating to the occupation of a mayor or someone in an authoritative administrative role.
These variations and spellings resulted from migrations, local dialects, and cultural influences, often linked to those managing municipal affairs or land boundaries. Regardless of the spelling, many of these surnames share a common root and are linguistically or historically interconnected.
Famous people with the name Meares
- Anna Meares: two-time Olympic gold medalist cyclist
- Bobby Meares: former professional baseball player
- Lance Meares, Sr.: former professional football player
- Milica Mearšić: Serbian basketball player
- Jeff Mears: American racing driver
- Leonidas Meares: American mathematician
- Charles Meares: British admiral
- George Meares: British Royal Navy admiral
- Darryl Mears: American lawyer and politician 10.James Meares: American actor 11.Charles Meares: English landscape painter 12.Lani Mears: American novelist 13.Alexandra Meares: British entrepreneur 14.Gary Mears: English footballer 15.John J. Meares: British sea captain and entrepreneur 16.Pete Meares: English footballer 17.Luke Meares: Irish footballer 18.Chrissie Meares: American country music singer 19.David Meares: British composer 20.Baron Meares: British UK baroness 21.Michael Meares: American musician 22.Philip Meares: American cartoonist