Hare

The surname Hare is of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "hara," meaning hare. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was thought to resemble a hare in some way, such as being swift or timid. It could also have been a metonymic occupational name for someone who caught hares or maybe a nickname for a swift runner.

Distribution and Frequency

The surname Hare is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, with significant concentrations in England and Scotland. It is ranked as the 1,306th most common surname in Great Britain, with over 13,000 individuals bearing the name.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir David Hare: A prominent British playwright and screenwriter known for works such as "Plenty" and "The Hours."
  • Sir John Hare: A renowned English actor and theatre manager in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Heraldic Coat of Arms

The Hare family crest features elements such as a red shield with a silver hare, embodying speed and adaptability, cresting over a sinister hand holding a spear.

Variants

Variants of the surname Hare include Harewood, Harehound, and Harestail, each with its unique history and characteristics.

References

  • Reaney, P. H. & Wilson, R. M. (2011). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

The surname Hare carries a rich history and continues to be proudly borne by families in Britain, reflecting the enduring legacy of its origins and the individuals who have carried it through the centuries.

There are approximately 8,649 people named Hare in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,094th most common surname in Britain. Around 133 in a million people in Britain are named Hare.

Surname type: Nickname

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jennifer
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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