Tear

The surname Tear is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "tæher," meaning a person who tears or pulls. The name may have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a thatcher or a carpenter, or it could have been a nickname for a person known for tearing or ripping things.

The Tear surname is found in various parts of England, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent. Over the centuries, families bearing the surname Tear have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Individuals with the surname Tear have made contributions to various fields, including academia, the arts, and sports. Notable bearers of the Tear surname include the British artist Angela Tear, known for her intricate paper-cut artworks, and the cricketer Steven Tear, who played for the English national team in the 1980s.

Genealogical records indicate that the Tear family has a long history, with some branches able to trace their lineage back several centuries. Variant spellings of the surname, such as Teare and Tere, can also be found in historical records.

Today, the Tear surname continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the family's heritage and connection to their English roots.

There are approximately 753 people named Tear in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,185th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Tear.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Adrian
  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • David
  • James
  • Jeremy
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Angela
  • Clare
  • Debbie
  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Mary
  • Maureen
  • Susan

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