Surname Steare - Meaning and Origin
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Steare: What does the surname Steare mean?
The last name Steare has an uncertain origin, though it is believed to come from the Middle English word “stere” meaning “star”. It is thought that the Steare family were named for their link to a particular star in the sky, or for their star-like qualities. The name is most commonly found in the western regions of England, where it is believed to have been prominent since the 11th century.
The Steare family likely boasts a long and varied history, as the name has been found in the records of multiple notable families from various social classes. In some cases, the family can be traced back to Norman nobility, which could hint at a connection to power and influence. Other Steare families have been involved in the religious and educational fields, such as teachers and preachers, which could signify a tradition of great learning. Furthermore, the Steare name is known to have been associated with prominent trade routes and sea-faring vessels, suggesting that some members of the family could have had a hand in commerce and commerce-related activities.
Regardless of its precise origins, the Steare last name is an old and respected one, representing centuries of tradition and a desire to make a positive and lasting mark in the world. It carries a certain level of respect and admiration, and is still seen today as a proud reminder of the family’s noteworthy contributions and successes.
Order DNA origin analysisSteare: Where does the name Steare come from?
The last name Steare is most common in England, particularly in the county of Devon. Its highest concentrations appear in the towns of Exeter, Ottery St Mary, Tiverton, and Axminster. With roots stemming from the early Middle Ages, the name originated as a locational name for a person from the town of Staverton in Devon. During the post-Medieval period, people typically added the '-e' suffix to indicate they were from a particular geographic location.
Today, the use of the Steare surname has declined, however, a number of related spellings — such as Steer, Stear, and Stern — are more common. The Steare variation is scarce and mainly persists in family lines that have remained in the Devon and Cornwall area. The 2011 England and Wales census identified less than 350 individuals with the Steare name. It is also found in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Variations of the surname Steare
The surname Steare is of English origin and can have several different spellings and variants. The surname can be commonly spelled as Steare, Staire, Stear, Steer, Sterr, Stearn, Sterne, Staren, and Steeren. The spelling of this particular surname can be dependent on its place of origin, as well as the particular branch of the family in question.
Other variants of the surname include Stary, Stair, Store, and Steor. Stear could also be represented by Stares, Stearnas, Stearnes, Stourn, and Starkes. It could even come in the French variants–de Staire, de Steer, and de Steere.
Many of these surnames may also appear with the use of prefixes or suffixes, like "McSteare" or "Stearson."
The Steare surname has been associated with various professions, including shoemaking, smithing, farming, and milling. In the Hundred Rolls of 1273, William de Stere held land in Bedford, while John de Stere was a juror in Norfolk in 1293. Many early records of the surname have Anglicized versions of the name, which may sometimes appear with different spellings.
Due to the wide range of spelling variations, it is important to look for several variants of the surname when researching genealogy. Those researching the Steare surname should also take into account any potential prefixes or suffixes.
Famous people with the name Steare
- Kate Steare: an American actress from Buffalo, New York.
- Jim Steare: a British cyclist, racing driver, and pilot from Blackburn in Lancashire.
- Terry Steare: a former English professional football player who played for numerous clubs across the UK during a 16-year career.
- Branden Steare: an American professional paddle boarder and instructor from San Diego, California.
- Mark Steare: a Canadian professional cyclist who competed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Linda Steare: a British classical violinist and member of the Philharmonia Orchestra.
- Marlin Steare: an American musician from Wisconsin who is the lead singer and guitarist for the classic rock band, Marlin Steare and the Latin Stars.
- Denise Steare: a British TV presenter and former pageant winner, who is best known for her appearances on London's transport network show 'Go London'.
- Travis Steare: an American artist from San Diego, California, who has been creating artworks using a mix of painting, sculpture, and video for nearly two decades.
- Rylie Steare: an American mixed martial artist and former professional boxer from Oregon.