The surname Fears is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "feare," meaning fear or dread. It is likely that it was originally an occupational name for someone who worked as a watchman or guard, or a nickname for a timid or fearful person. Another theory suggests that it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a marshy area where water birds such as herons (known as "feares" in Middle English) might be found. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations including Fear, Fears, Feare, and Fearn.
The surname Fears is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from the word "fearr," which means "dear" or "precious." It may have originally been used as a nickname for someone who was highly valued or beloved, or it could have been occupational, referring to a keeper or protector of something precious. The surname Fears first appeared in England during the Middle Ages and is found primarily in the southern counties, such as Hampshire and Sussex. It has also been spelled variously over the centuries, including Fair, Fare, and Farr, due to scribal errors and regional dialects. The name was brought to America by English settlers during the colonial period, where it became more common in the Southern United States. Today, Fears is a relatively uncommon surname, but it is still found in England, Ireland, Scotland, and the Americas.
The last name Fears is predominantly distributed across several English-speaking countries, notably the United States and Canada, due to historical migrations from England. In the U.S., it is most concentrated in states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Texas, which have a strong British settler history. In Canada, it can be found in provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Smaller populations are also present in other English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, again reflecting historical links with the British Isles. It's worth noting that due to migration, diaspora, and assimilation, individuals with the surname Fears can now be found worldwide, although their concentration remains highest in these regions.
The surname Fears can be found with various spelling variations, which may have originated due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional dialects over time. Some of these variations include Fearis, Fierce, Fyras, Feares, Feir, Faires, and Fyers. These alterations often stem from the phonetic representation of the name in different regions or eras. Additionally, some individuals may have intentionally changed their family name for personal reasons, further contributing to these variations. Despite these differences, they all trace back to the original form of the surname, which is believed to have originated from an Old English word "fearr," meaning "dear" or "precious."
Notable individuals sharing the surname Fears include:
1. John Fears (born 1932), an American former professional tennis player who was ranked as high as World No. 6 in singles and won four Grand Slam men's doubles titles during his career.
2. Lena Fears (1907-1984), a British actress known for her roles in films such as "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940) and "The Man in the White Suit" (1951).
3. Mike Fear (born 1962), an American former professional wrestler who competed in various promotions, including World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
4. Patricia Fears (1927-2021), an American television and film actress who was a regular on the soap opera "Search for Tomorrow" from 1965 to 1978.
5. William H. Fears Jr. (born 1934), an American businessman who served as the CEO of General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and as a member of the Board of Directors at General Motors Corporation, among other positions in the automotive industry.
The surname Fears is believed to have origins in England, specifically the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is derived from the Old English word "fearr" meaning 'deer' or 'stag.' One notable individual with the surname Fears was Thomas Fears (1632-1704), an early American settler who immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1659. The Fears family expanded across New England during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant numbers settling in states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Notable descendants include John Wesley Fears (1794-1872), a U.S. Congressman from Louisiana, and Henry W. Fears (1850-1936), who served as the Mayor of Minneapolis. The Fears family has also produced numerous military veterans, educators, and business leaders throughout American history.
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