Surname Steeres - Meaning and Origin
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Steeres: What does the surname Steeres mean?
The last name Steeres is of English origin, although there are also Scottish variations of the name. The name is an Anglicized form of the Scots Gaelic "stiùrais," which is derived from the Gaelic word "stiùir" meaning "to steer or rule." It is believed to have originated in the area of the Scottish Highlands and Islands and is one of the many distinct Highland clans who trace their ancestry back to Jean de Stérolls and the Stone of Destiny.
The earliest record of the name found so far is that of John Steele, who was the constable of Lismore Castle, Scotland in the 11th century. Many Steeres have made significant contributions in the fields of politics, business, and the military, while others have been innovators and inventors.
Today the name can be found globally, whether it be in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or other countries, with families all having their own unique stories to tell about how their surname came to be.
No matter the origin story, the surname Steeres remains tied to the concept of strength and leadership, which its bearer can carry proudly.
Order DNA origin analysisSteeres: Where does the name Steeres come from?
The last name Steeres is most commonly found in North America today. It is particularly common in Canada, where the latest recorded population of Steeres is estimated around 1,300 people. The highest percentage of the population recorded with this name is Ontario, which has recorded over 500 Steeres, mainly concentrated in the city of Toronto.
The Steeres name is also found in small concentrations in the northeastern United States, particularly in the states of Maine and Massachusetts. The most recent census data recorded just over 60 people with the last name Steeres in the United States.
It is also possible to find people with the last name Steeres in Europe, though it is much less common. The highest concentration of Steeres in Europe is in the United Kingdom, where census data from the late 1800s shows just under 40 people living with the last name Steeres.
Finally, in the Caribbean, approximately 40 people with the last name Steeres are recorded, mainly in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Overall, the last name Steeres is most commonly found today in North America, specifically Canada. The last name has also appeared in concentrations in other parts of the world such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Caribbean.
Variations of the surname Steeres
The surname Steeres has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname Steeres include Streets, Strates, Struthers, Strawthers, and Stirrat.
The spelling variants include Stratas/Strates, Strothers, and Streats.
Surnames of the same origin as Steeres include Steer, Sterre, Steere, Steers, Stare, Stier, Stræt, Starr, Stair, and Star.
The name Steeres is derived from the Old English “stir” and “hyrst,” which loosely translates to “wood.” Some sources suggest that the name was popular among people from early England who worked as fence makers and timber merchants. It is likely then that the name originated as an occupational surname, first found in Somerset in the 14th century.
The spelling of the surname has changed over the centuries due to phonological changes in the English language. The drop of the final “e” in Steeres is a common example, as well as the substitution of the letter “s” in place of the “st” at the start of the name. Migration of the spelling variants of Steeres throughout Europe, particularly to Scotland, have increased the frequency of the different spellings of the surname.
Overall, the surname Steereshas a host of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is likely that the surname originated as an occupational name, referring to those individuals who worked with wood. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Steeres has changed over the centuries due to phonological changes in the English language as well as migration of the spelling variants to other parts of Europe.
Famous people with the name Steeres
- Chris Steeres: A fashion editor, stylist, and keen hiker living in California.
- Frank Steeres: The former mayor of Burlington, Ontario, Canada from 2017-2018.
- Shawn Steers: An American actor best known for his roles in The Mask, Tombstone, and Carnival of Souls.
- David J. Steers: A British-American businessman who has served as CEO of the LEGO Brand Group since 2017.
- Mark Steeres: A former professional soccer player who played for several clubs in Canada, the US, and England.
- Frank Steeres: A Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings during the 2010-2011 season.
- Joanna Steers: An American actress who has appeared in several films and TV shows, including True Blood and CSI: NY.
- William Steeres: An American rapper and producer signed to Kayne West’s G.O.O.D. Music label.
- Sharon Steers: An American Olympic silver medalist in rowing who competed in the 1988 and 1992 Summer Games.
- John Steeres: A British drummer who has played with Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, and Kings of Leon.