Surname Steers - Meaning and Origin
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Steers: What does the surname Steers mean?
The last name Steers is an English topographical surname, which comes from the old English word "styr" meaning "ditch". In the Middle Ages, a family of the same name helped to dig and manage drainage ditches in England. These people were called "Styras". Over time, the name evolved and changed to "Steers".
Throughout history, people of the Steers name were known to be notably hardworking and adventurous - traits which have been associated with the Steers name since its inception. This makes sense, as it took a lot of hard work and skill to successfully maintain a drainage ditch. In the past, some Steers have ventured to the New World and became early pioneers in America, bringing their resilience and ambition with them.
Steers is also known to be a proud and loyal family, often displaying a strong sense of solidarity and devotion towards their kin. This loyalty to their lineage often manifests in the forms of generous gestures made in order to aid and assist family members in times of need.
Overall, the last name Steers is connected to elements of perseverance, adventure, and loyalty. People of the Steers name have been known to have an admirable industriousness, along with a strong sense of familial unity. These qualities have aided them in their endeavors over the centuries, and remain an integral part of the Steers legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisSteers: Where does the name Steers come from?
The surname Steers is most commonly associated with English-speaking countries and is derived from the Middle English word stier, meaning ‘ploughman’ or ‘one who ploughs’. The name is found in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the United States and Canada.
In England and Wales, The Steers name is mainly found in the West Midlands region, particularly in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire. In Scotland, many Steers still live in the traditional family seat in Aberdeenshire. Meanwhile, in Ireland, Steers are mainly found in County Louth.
In the United States, Steers is most prevalent in Texas, followed by California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Records show that the vast majority of Steers who emigrated to America between 1871 and 1916 came from counties Dublin, Louth, and Down. The surname Steers is also used in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand; however, the prevalence appears to be lower than that in other English-speaking countries.
Therefore, the surname Steers is currently mostly associated with English-speaking countries, especially those of the British Isles and the United States of America.
Variations of the surname Steers
The surname Steers (or "Steer" in some instances) dates back to the days of medieval Britain, and is a derivative of the Old French word estur, meaning “steward”. Variants and other spellings of the surname include Stear, Stiers, Sterr, and Steir, as well as the original French spelling of Stuer and the Scottish variants of Stoors and Storr.
The Steers surname is common throughout the United States, England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is derived from several sources, including those with the Steers spelling opting for the original French variant, and others who choose the simplified English form.
In Scotland, the Stoors family is believed to have been established from three estates in Aberdeenshire. In Ireland, the Steirs surname is associated with those who arrived from Scotland in the 16th century.
The Steers surname is quite popular in England, with instances dating all the way back to 1390 in Wiltshire. In the United States, the Steers surname has French as well as English origins, with most Steers in the US descending from the original emigrant ancestor who arrived in the Virginia Colony during the 17th century.
Over time, the spelling of the Steers surname has altered, as people have blended in elements from their native languages. This has resulted in variations like Steir, Steors, Sterr, and Steur, as well as the Scottish Stoors and Storr.
No matter the spelling, the Steers surname shares a common lineage, and is a proud part of family history for many across the globe.
Famous people with the name Steers
- Richard Steers: former American politician and the 14th Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
- Robert Steers: Australian former swimmer
- Carlyle Steers: American businessperson and the CEO of Lands' End
- Leigh Steers: British actor known for appearing in Coronation Street, Doctor Who, and Camelot
- Harry Steers: film director from Canada who directed over 50 motion pictures during his career
- Mackenzie Steers: English professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Gillingham FC
- Bobby Steers: English professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Sunderland AFC
- Matt Steers: American actor best known for his role as Dylan in Netflix’s show Trinkets
- Joe Steers: former American college football player turned coach
- Harrison Steers: American venture capitalist and co-founder of Neumann Strategies