Sear

Sear is a British surname of medieval origin, deriving from the Old English word "sear" meaning withered or dry. The surname is thought to have originally been used as a nickname for someone with a sallow or withered complexion, or perhaps someone perceived as lifeless or stern in character.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Sear dates back to the late 12th century in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in eastern England. Over time, the surname has spread throughout various parts of the United Kingdom as well as to countries with English-speaking populations.

Notable individuals with the surname Sear include John Sear (1814-1872), an English cricketer who played for Sussex, and Helen Sear (born 1955), a contemporary Welsh artist known for her photography and installation works.

The Sear surname has variations in spelling such as Seare, Searey, and Seares. Like many surnames, it has evolved and adapted as it has been passed down through generations.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Sear can be found across the United Kingdom and in English-speaking communities worldwide. The surname continues to carry a sense of longevity and heritage, connecting bearers to their ancestors and the history of the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,953 people named Sear in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,284th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Sear.

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

  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Ann
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.