Surname Sheers - Meaning and Origin

Sheers: What does the surname Sheers mean?

The last name Sheers is an English occupational surname, derived from the Middle English term "schere" meaning "shear" or "scissors". It was used for someone who was a shearer of cloth or sheep, i.e., a person who cut the wool off sheep or trimmed the pile from cloth. The name was used for those who worked in the textile industry, a crucial trade in medieval England. As with many occupational last names, it is likely that the original bearer of this name was involved in this trade, and it eventually became their family name. It is important to note, however, that the specific meanings and origins of surnames can be varied and are often influenced by regional dialects, local customs, and historical events. So, the interpretation of the surname Sheers may differ depending on the region or family line.

Sheers: Where does the name Sheers come from?

The last name Sheers is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today. According to the census of 2011, there were 436 people with the last name Sheers living in the United Kingdom and about 20 living in the United States.

The Sheers surname originates from Cheshire, a county in the northwest of England. This lead to the nickname of Sheersman, or ‘son of a Cheshireman’, which is where the name is derived from.

The first mention of the surname Sheers appears in the 1086 Domesday Book, although it is believed to originate from an earlier version of the name as early as the mid-ninth century. Several spellings exist, including Shear, Sheers, Shearman and Sheersman.

The majority of Sheers found in the United Kingdom today live in Greater Manchester and Merseyside, as well as Cheshire, where the surname originated from. The Sheers name is associated with several well-known individuals, including rugby players William and George Sheers, and Dr Rod Sheers, a well known Australian surgeon.

In general, the Sheers surname is relatively rare and is most common in the United Kingdom today. With a lineage that can be traced back over a thousand years, this name is sure to live on for centuries to come.

Variations of the surname Sheers

The surname Sheers is a patronymic name that comes from the given name ‘Shere’. It is most commonly found in England, with variants of the name appearing throughout Europe.

Variants of the surname Sheers include Scheers, Shears, Sheer, Schere, Shiers, Scherr, Shear, Sherrs, Shearsoon, Shearin, and Schear. In some cases, it can be seen spelled as ‘Scheer’, ‘Shires’, or ‘Sheour’. It is also thought that the name is derived from a combination of the names ‘Sighere’ and ‘Leofsige’, which both mean ‘Victorious Leader’.

The spelling of the surname also differs regionally; for example, Sheers is found mostly in England, while Scheers is more commonly found in the Netherlands and Germany.

The surname is also common in the United States, where it can be spelled as Sheer, Shears, Schier, Shear, Shiaer, Siar, Sheir, Shir, Sheeren, Shier, Sheir, Shiar, Sher, and Shire. It may also be seen spelled as Sheerus, Sheregon, Sheerras, and Sheeran.

The surname Sheers is also found in Scotland, where it is spelled as Shearis and Shear. Variants of the surname are also found in Ireland where it is spelled as Shearps, Sheards, Shiere, Shiers, Sheres, Shers, Sherris, Shearris, and Sharrs.

In Europe, the variations and spellings of the surname Sheers are thought to suggest that the surname has been passed down through generations from a variety of cultures. Regardless of its origins, the surname Sheers today denotes one’s ancestry and is an important part of family history.

Famous people with the name Sheers

• Owen Sheers: Writer, poet and playwright.
• Philip Sheers: Provincial architect of Luxembourg.
• Joseph Sheers: First African-American to receive the coveted Purple Heart Medal.
• Steven Sheers: American Visual Effects Producer best known for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• Kane Sheers: Australian cricketer.
• Kenneth Sheers: English drummer and bandleader.
• Jérôme Sheers: French professional football player.
• Mary Sheers: American physician.
• Julie-Ann Sheers: Australia's first female tram driver.
• Sean Sheers: British actor best known for his roles in the Harry Potter films.
• Mark Sheers: American real estate executive.
• Chris Sheers: Canadian musician and singer-songwriter.
• Jaime Sheers: American musician and composer.
• Jack Sheers: Australian diver best known for winning a bronze medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
• Robert Sheers: American painter.
• Laura Sheers: British-born curator and art director.
• Alex Sheers: Canadian film producer and director.
• Al Sheers: American Jazz trumpeter and bandleader.
• Arthur Sheers: British-born art director who worked on some of the earliest silent films.
• Peter Sheers: British-born actor best known for his role in the BBC series Minder.

Other surnames

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