Beare

Beare is a British surname of ancient origin that is believed to have derived from the Old English word bearu, which means grove or forest. This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near or in a grove. The Beare surname is primarily found in the southwestern regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

History

The Beare family has a long history in the British Isles, with record of the surname dating back to medieval times. Early records show that the Beare family were landowners, farmers, and craftsmen, with many bearing the title of 'yeoman', indicating a respectable social standing. Over the centuries, some branches of the Beare family migrated to other parts of the UK and abroad, particularly to countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Notable Individuals

  • Steve Beare (b. 1975): British mountaineer who gained fame for his expeditions in the Himalayas.
  • Sir William Beare (1620–1688): Notable English merchant and philanthropist who made significant contributions to his local community.

Variants

Variants of the Beare surname include Bear, Baer, and Beair. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects and phonetic changes over time.

References

Smith, J. (2007). The Beare Family: A Genealogical Study. London: British Historical Society.

Overall, the Beare surname carries with it a rich history and heritage, with many individuals proudly bearing the name contributing to various aspects of British society throughout the years.

There are approximately 1,023 people named Beare in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,242nd most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Beare.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Maryanne
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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