The surname Meara is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Meadhra, meaning "descendant of Meadhrach." The name Meadhrach itself is believed to come from the Gaelic word meadhair, meaning "mirthful" or "merry."
In Ireland, the surname Meara is most commonly found in the counties of Offaly, Westmeath, and Tipperary. The Meara family is said to have been a sept of the Uí Fiachrach tribe, who were based in the Connacht region of Ireland. Over time, the Meara clan spread to other parts of the country, leading to a dispersion of the surname throughout Ireland.
The Meara surname has also been found in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Irish populations. According to data, the United States has the highest incidence of the surname Meara, with 803 individuals bearing the name. This is not surprising, as Irish immigrants have been a major demographic group in the United States for centuries.
Australia, the United Kingdom (specifically England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland), and Ireland itself also have significant populations of individuals with the surname Meara. Additionally, countries such as Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa have smaller but still notable numbers of individuals with the surname.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Meara. One such individual is Anne Meara, an American actress and comedian who rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the comedy duo Stiller and Meara, alongside her husband Jerry Stiller.
Another prominent figure with the surname Meara is Ryan Meara, an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Meara has gained recognition for his skill and athleticism on the field.
Like many surnames, the name Meara has several variant spellings that have evolved over time. Some common variations of the surname include Meere, Meares, and Meary. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, migration patterns, and changes in spelling conventions.
It is important to note that while the spelling of the surname may differ, the underlying meaning and origin remain consistent. The surname Meara, regardless of its spelling, holds a connection to the Gaelic traditions and history of Ireland.
Today, the surname Meara continues to be a source of pride and heritage for individuals around the world. Whether through familial connections, historical significance, or personal identity, the name Meara holds a special place in the hearts of those who bear it.
As the Meara surname continues to be passed down through generations and across borders, its legacy remains strong. The Meara family, in all its variations and connections, serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that is Ireland and its diaspora.
Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens in the case of Meara, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in most of the countries of the globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Meara is higher than in other countries.
The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Meara on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we are able to begin to see the tangible amount of people with all the surname Meara, to acquire in this way the particular information of all Meara that one may presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not merely in which the surname Meara comes from, but also in what manner the individuals who are initially the main family members that bears the surname Meara have moved and moved. Just as, you can see by which places they have settled and grown up, which is why if Meara is our surname, it appears interesting to which other nations for the globe it is possible this 1 of our ancestors once moved to.