Surname Odear - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Odear: What does the surname Odear mean?
The surname Odear is quite uncommon and does not have a known specific meaning in certain culture, language, or ancestry. Like many surnames, it may have evolved from various possible sources such as a profession, location, descriptor, or familial connection. Thus, it could have unique significance to different families who bear it. Surnames can change over generations due to linguistic evolution, migration, or anglicization, which might explain the lack of widely recognized meaning for Odear. It's recommended for those interested in the meaning or history of their own surname to consider genealogical research which can provide personal historical context and possible origin theories. The last name Odear could potentially be a variant of other surnames like O'Dear or Dear. However, the details and precise meaning can't be determined without additional information about a particular family's history and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisOdear: Where does the name Odear come from?
The surname Odear is mainly found in the United States. It is most common in the southern states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It is a French name, derived from the surname Odet. Evidence of this surname being used in the United States can be seen as early as the 1760s in Maryland and Virginia.
In the past, many immigrants settled in the southern states of the United States, and many of these immigrants came from France. As such, the surname Odear became more popular, as many families adopted it and began to pass it down through generations.
As mentioned, Odear is still most commonly found in the Southern states of the United States. It is also seen in other parts of the country, particularly in larger cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Though the name is not as common as some other surnames, it is certainly not unheard of in the United States.
One of the more famous people bearing the surname Odear is actor Glen Odear. Glen is a noted African-American actor, known for his roles in films such as A Star Is Born, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and The Imitation Game.
Overall, the last name Odear is still quite common today, especially in the United States. It is especially prevalent in the southern states, but can also be found in other parts of the country, as well as Canada and Europe.
Variations of the surname Odear
The surname Odear is believed to have originated in England. It is also spelled as O'dear, O'Dear, Odier, Odeer, Odaire, Odie, Odey, O'dy, and Odea.
The Odear surname has many variants, and can be differentiated by various spellings and dialects from areas of England and Ireland. It is generally believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic word "Ó Doibhir," which means "descendant of Doibhir" or "descendant of Dobhar." Doibhir is a masculine given name believed to originate from the Irish Gaelic word "dobhar," meaning "water." It is also believed to mean "one who lives near a stream." Therefore, it can be seen that the surname at its root means "one descended from the water" or "one descended from a stream."
The surname Odear has plenty of alternative spellings and variants, including O'dear, O'Dear, Odier, Odeer, Odaire, Odie, Odey, O'dy, and Odea. In some cases, the surname could also have a Y-suffix added to the end, creating the spelling Odeary or O'deary.
In some records, the surname may appear as Drake, Dear, O'Doherty, Doherty, Doherty, or Dohertyne. Drake originated from the surname de Draka, which meant “person from the town of Draka.” Dear could be a variation of Odear, as could O'Doherty, Doherty, Dohertyne, and Doherty—all variations of the surname Doherty, which is a variant of the name O'Doherty and is believed to have some connection to the same root of Odear.
The Odear surname is still present in parts of Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, United States, and Canada. It is believed to be most commonly found in Ireland, Scotland, and North America.
Famous people with the name Odear
- Arsenio Hall: American comedian, actor, talk show host, political commentator, and game show host.
- Brandon Odear: American film actor, producer, and director.
- Bryan Odear: American football coach.
- Douglas Odear: American professional baseball player.
- Fey Odear: American contemporary artist.
- Glendon Odear: American basketball player.
- Ija Odear: American actor, producer, and director.
- Mark Odear: American politician and lawyer.
- Michelle Odear: American track and field athlete.
- Natalie Odear: American musical artist and songwriter.
- Nitara Odear: American model and actress.
- Quincy Odear: American football player.
- Professor Shane Odear: American professor of Civil Engineering.
- Sydni Odear: American footballer.
- Tammy Odear: American dancer and choreographer.
- Tori Odear: American singer and songwriter.