Wear

The surname Wear is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "wer" or "war", meaning to protect or defend. This surname is classified as a locational name, denoting an individual who hailed from a place named Wear or lived near a weir, which is a dam in a river to catch fish. The River Wear, in the northeast of England, is a notable watercourse that runs through the city of Durham and the surrounding areas.

The Wear surname is most commonly found in the northeast of England, particularly in the counties of Durham and Northumberland. The name may also be associated with the region itself, reflecting a familial connection to the River Wear and its surroundings. Over time, individuals bearing the Wear surname have spread across the United Kingdom and beyond to various parts of the world.

Notable bearers of the surname Wear have existed throughout history, although the name may have undergone variations in spelling over the centuries. The study of genealogy, heraldry, and family history reveals insights into the diverse branches and lineages of the Wear family. Whether originating from a specific geographical location or representing a family's historical occupation or characteristic, the Wear surname continues to be carried by individuals with a rich and varied heritage.

There are approximately 1,079 people named Wear in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,963rd most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Wear.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Richard

Female

  • Ann
  • Anne
  • Charlotte
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Vanessa

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