Surname Medearis - Meaning and Origin
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Medearis: What does the surname Medearis mean?
The surname Medearis is of French origin, derived from the name 'Maître', meaning 'master' or 'teacher'. It was often given as a title to a respected member of society, such as a scholar or a clergyman. Although the exact origin of the name is unclear, it is believed that it is derived from the Latin word ‘magister’, which meant ‘schoolmaster’ or ‘teacher’.
The surname first appeared in France in the 12th century and quickly spread to other parts of Europe. It was then brought to the United States of America during the late 19th century and 1920s, where it became quite common in some states.
Those with the surname were traditionally known to be teachers, professors, scholars, and members of the clergy. In modern times, the name has grown to become more widespread throughout the world, and it is associated with those who teach and understand the importance of quality education. It is also quite popular amongst members of the entertainment industry, where its original meaning is lost, and the name is seen as nothing more than a stage name.
The Medearis surname stands for those of high intelligence and knowledge. It is a reminder of the importance of education and the knowledge gained through learning and teaching. Those lucky enough to carry the name are sure to be highly educated and respected members of society.
Order DNA origin analysisMedearis: Where does the name Medearis come from?
The last name Medearis is most commonly found today in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2018 there were nearly 1,700 people living in the US with the last name Medearis. The largest concentration of the name can be found in Texas, with over 1,000 people holding the Medearis surname. The states with the next highest number of people with the surname are Alabama, Mississippi, and Ohio, each with about 150 people. In Canada, there are a few people holding the surname, but less than 50.
The surname Medearis can also be found in Jamaica, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom. As far as origin, Medearis is a Jamaican surname that has African roots. It is believed to have derived from the West African language version of the Medallicas, which translates to “Middeners of the Land”.
The name is usually traced to a man who was brought to Jamaica by a slave trader from Guinea in West Africa. He went by the name of “Meddy”, and his name eventually became Medearis. The name has continued to be passed down through the generations, all the way to the present day.
Variations of the surname Medearis
The surname Medearis is of English origin and is said to have first appeared in the 13th century. There are several variants, spellings and surnames that share the same etymology, though the original form of the surname is thought to have first been "Meaders".
Variants of Medearis include Mederis, Meders, Meader, and Meder. Spelling variations have resulted in such forms of the surname as Mederrs, Medaras, Mederis, Mederiz, Mederice, Medrias, Medress, Medriche, and Mediares.
Surnames of the same etymological derivation include Medders, Medeary, Meder, Medford, Medley, and Medling. These surnames were derived from the Old English words maeder and meder meaning meadow, and were given to those who lived by meadows or had some other strong connection to them.
Unrelated surnames, however, may sound similar to Medearis. These include Mederos, Medaris, Madaris, Mederios, and Mediras. Although these all may sound similar, their origins and meanings are entirely different from that of Medearis.
Famous people with the name Medearis
- Angela Shelf Medearis: children’s author and award-winning cultural historian.
- Justin Medearis: American professional basketball player and co-creator of King Handles basketball school, which trains and mentors low income school kids.
- Sam Medearis: composer, arranger, and music supervisor, who wrote the music for films such as “Big Daddy”, “Old School”, and “Bride Wars”.
- John Medearis: noted geographer and author who edited the book “Geography and Difference”.
- Dan Medearis, Jr.: professional rodeo cowboys, who has won several national competitions.
- Grant Medearis: successful race car driver, who won the 50th annual Indianapolis 500.
- Chris Medearis: former football player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and current co-host on the Sirius XM football podcast, The Blitz.
- Gil Medearis: Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter, best known for producing D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” album.
- Catherine Medearis: actress and film and theatre director, who has starred in movies such as “The Invention of Lying” and “The Nanny Diaries”.
- Cole Medearis: professional skateboarder and filmmaker, who has appeared on the MTV series “My Super Sweet 16”.