Surname Squire - Meaning and Origin

Squire: What does the surname Squire mean?

The surname Squire is of medieval English origin and derives from the Old French "esquier" or the Middle English "squyer", which both mean "shield bearer" or "knight's attendant." It was originally an occupational name given to a young nobleman who, as part of his training for knighthood, acted as an attendant to a knight. The Squire would serve the knight in various ways: maintaining his weapons, accompanying him into battle, and even standing as a substitute if the knight was indisposed. Over time, the term "squire" also became a title of rank in the social hierarchy of England, representing a principal landowner in a local area or village. Therefore, the last name could either refer to the person's occupation or social status during the Middle Ages. Variation of this surname is found as Squier, Skyr, Squair, and others.

Squire: Where does the name Squire come from?

The last name Squire is most common today in the United Kingdom, where it is found in several counties throughout the country. According to the 1881 UK Census, Squire was the 130th most common surname in England and the 180th most common in Scotland. It is most prevalent in the South of England, particularly Hampshire, Kent and Surrey, while still being located throughout the United Kingdom.

The origin of the surname dates back to Middle Ages England, when Squire referred to an attendant or servant of a knight. Squire is a hereditary title from Anglo-Norman and French backgrounds, and could refer to a friendly attendant, a young nobleman wholly devoted to service of a knight or a servant of an official. During this time, many of these characters adopted the name Squire in order to establish their identity.

The migration of the British over the centuries has caused the distribution of the surname Squire to extend across the globe. Today it can be found in the United Kingdom, but can also be found in parts of Europe, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Variations of the surname Squire

The surname Squire has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Squair, Squyres, Squires, Squier, Squyers, Scyers, Squair,Squier, Squeir and Schuyer.

Squair is a variant of the name Squire, which originated in England. It is believed to be derived from an Old French word, esquier, meaning knight or shield bearer. It was also a term of respect used to refer to someone of high social standing.

Squyres is another English variant of the surname Squire, derived from the Old French word esquier. This variant is thought to have first emerged during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have been used as a title for wealthy landowners, as well as someone who would serve as a protector of the local community.

Squires is the most common variant of the surname Squire. This name is thought to have originated in England and is derived from the Old French word esquier. It was originally used to refer to an individual who would serve as a personal servant or attendant to an important person.

Squier is an uncommon variant of the surname Squire, thought to have originated in England. This variant is believed to be derived from the Old French word, esquier, which referred to someone who carried a shield in battle.

Squyers is another variant of the name Squire, believed to have originated in England. This variant is thought to be derived from the Old French word esquier, which referred to a professional soldier.

Scyers is an alternate spelling of the surname Squire, thought to have originally been used to refer to someone who served as a knight and held a title of nobility.

Squair is an alternate spelling of the name Squire, believed to have originated in Belgium. It is thought to be derived from the Old French word, esquier, meaning shield bearer or knight.

Squier is a rare variant of Squire, believed to have originated in the Netherlands. This variant is thought to have been derived from the Old French word, esquier, which referred to someone who served as a personally attendant for an important person.

Squeir is an alternate spelling of the surname Squire, thought to have originated in Scotland. This variant is believed to be derived from the Old French word, esquier, which referred to someone who carried a shield in battle.

Schuyer is an alternate spelling of Squire, believed to have first emerged in the Netherlands. This variant is thought to be derived from the Old French word esquier, which referred to a professional soldier.

Famous people with the name Squire

• Adam Squire: American entrepreneur, tech influencer, and Power Ranger fan
• Cassie Squire: British singer-songwriter
• Chris Squire: English bassist and founding member of prog-rock band Yes
• Derran Squire: Canadian country music singer and songwriter
• John Squire: English rock guitarist and heavier founding member of The Stone Roses
• Michael Squire: English classical composer
• Peter Squire: American film director and editor
• Ross Squire: Australian radio announcer
• Samantha Squire: American singer-songwriter
• Trevor Squire: British actor best known for his roles in period dramas

Other surnames

Squires