The surname Spiers is of English origin, derived from various places named "Spiers" in England. These locations are mainly found in the counties of Northumberland and Durham.
The place names "Spiers" and "Spire" can be traced back to Old English words for tower or steeple, "spyr," or "spira." The surname may have originated from someone who lived near a tower or steeple, worked at one, or was possibly identified by the shape of their physical features compared to a tower or spire.
As with many surnames, the use of Spiers as a last name began during the Middle Ages when English feudal society started using hereditary surnames to differentiate individuals within communities.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Spiers
The meaning and origin of the last name Spiers
The surname Spiers is of Old English origin, derived from the place name "Speare" or "Spire," which meant a spear-shaped hill. The name was originally a topographic surname given to someone who lived on a hill shaped like a spear or near a landmark with that name. Over time, various spellings of this surname emerged due to phonetic changes and regional dialects, including Spiers, Speers, and Spires. The name became common in England, particularly in areas such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Staffordshire. As people migrated from Britain, the Spiers surname also spread to other parts of the world, notably North America and Australia.
Geographical distribution of the last name Spiers
The surname Spiers has a predominant distribution in England and Scotland due to its historical origins. In England, it is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Durham, and Lancashire. In Scotland, the name is particularly prevalent in the areas around Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Lothians region. The surname also has a significant presence in Wales, particularly in the south. Additionally, Spiers can be found in smaller numbers in various parts of Ireland and in some areas of North America, due to historical emigration patterns from Great Britain. In general, the geographical distribution of the name Spiers reflects its historical roots in the British Isles.
Variants and spellings of the last name Spiers
The surname Spiers can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Spier, Spears, Spires, Spieres, Spiers, Speer, Spyers, and even Spyrs or Spris. These alterations may stem from regional dialects, errors during record keeping, or personal preference. In genealogical research, it's important to consider all possible spellings when tracing family history.
Famous people with the last name Spiers
Notable individuals with the surname Spiers include:
1. Charles Spiers (1841-1923), an English architect who designed several buildings in London, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum.
2. John Spiers (born 1973), an English musician who plays the melodeon for the folk band Bellowhead.
3. William Spiers (1843-1905), a Scottish architect who designed several important buildings in Glasgow, including the Provand's Lordship and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
4. Andrew Spiers (born 1963), a British physicist known for his work on superconductivity and condensed matter physics. He was awarded the CBE in 2008 for services to science.
5. Mary Spiers (1784-1840), an English painter and miniaturist who was a member of the Royal Academy. Her portrait miniatures are held in several major museum collections, including the National Portrait Gallery in London.
6. James D. Spiers (born 1938), an American mathematician known for his work on differential geometry, algebraic topology, and symplectic geometry. He was awarded the Steele Prize in 2007 for lifetime achievement.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as architecture, music, science, and art.
Genealogical research on the last name Spiers
The surname Spiers is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is believed to be an occupational name for a spicer or a trader in spices. The name may also have been a nickname for a round-faced person, from Middle English "spice" meaning 'round.' Early records show that Thomas de Spirys was recorded in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. William Spyers was listed in the Wills at Leeds, Yorkshire in 1548, and John Speers married Margery Heslop in Lancashire in 1620. The name has several variations including Spyer, Speer, Spears, and Spearse, which may have arisen due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages. Notable individuals with the surname include John Speers (1859-1944), a prominent Australian politician, and Robert Spiers (1863-1950), an English musician and composer.
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