Stears Surname

Introduction

The surname Stears is not a particularly common one, but it has an interesting history and distribution around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins of the Stears surname, as well as its prevalence in various countries.

Origins of the Stears Surname

The surname Stears is of English origin, and is believed to have derived from the Old English word "stere," which means a steer or bullock. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname were likely involved in farming or animal husbandry. The addition of the "-s" suffix indicates a patronymic origin, meaning that the surname originally would have referred to someone who was the son of a man named Steer.

Over time, the spelling of the surname may have evolved from Steer to Stears, as is common with many surnames. Variations of the Stears surname include Steer, Steers, Sterr, and Stair.

Prevalence of the Stears Surname

According to data, the Stears surname is most prevalent in the United States, with an incidence of 798. This suggests that there is a significant population of individuals with the surname Stears living in the US. Following the US, the next most common locations for the Stears surname are South Africa (308), England (212), Canada (40), and Chile (36).

In other countries such as Ireland, Wales, Barbados, Scotland, Israel, Australia, Brazil, Namibia, New Zealand, Denmark, Spain, and India, the incidence of the Stears surname is much lower, with only a few individuals carrying the surname in each of these countries.

United States

The United States has the highest incidence of the Stears surname, with 798 individuals carrying the name. The distribution of the surname across the US is relatively even, with no single state having a significantly higher concentration of Stears families. Some of the states with larger populations of Stears families include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.

The Stears surname in the US can be traced back to early settlers from England who immigrated to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. Over time, the surname has spread across the country, with descendants of these early settlers establishing themselves in various regions.

England

In England, the Stears surname has an incidence of 212, making it relatively common within the country. The surname can be found across various regions of England, with concentrations in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, Essex, and Kent.

The Stears surname in England likely has its roots in the medieval period, when surnames were becoming more standardized. It is possible that the surname was originally more localized to a specific region or village, but over time spread to other parts of the country.

South Africa

In South Africa, the Stears surname has an incidence of 308, indicating a moderate presence of individuals with this surname in the country. The distribution of the surname in South Africa is widespread, with Stears families residing in various provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape.

The presence of the Stears surname in South Africa can be attributed to British immigration to the country in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many individuals with English surnames, including Stears, settled in South Africa during this time, contributing to the diversity of surnames in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Stears surname has a long and varied history, with origins in England and a presence in countries around the world. While the surname may not be as common as others, such as Smith or Johnson, it still holds significance for those who bear it. The distribution of the Stears surname in countries such as the United States, South Africa, and England reflects the migration patterns and historical influences that have shaped the surname over time.

The surname Stears within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place in the case of Stears, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. Just as there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women using the surname Stears is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Stears surname

1. United States (798)
2. South Africa (308)
3. England (212)
4. Canada (40)
5. Chile (36)
6. Ireland (23)
7. Wales (13)
8. Barbados (10)
9. Scotland (9)
10. Israel (7)
11. Australia (3)
12. Brazil (3)
13. Namibia (2)
14. New Zealand (1)
15. Denmark (1)
16. Spain (1)
17. India (1)