NomOrigine Background

Last Name Stears

What is the origin of the last name Stears?

The surname "Stears" is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Stiward," which means steward or guardian. Over time, the name evolved into different spellings such as Ster, Steere, and Stears. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a steward or overseer of a large estate or household. The surname "Stears" is relatively rare and can be found in various parts of England.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stears

The meaning and origin of the last name Stears

The surname Stears is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "stere," which means a young bullock or ox. The name was likely initially used as an occupational surname for someone who worked with or owned cattle. Stears could have also been a nickname for a strong, stubborn, or dependable person, characteristics often associated with oxen. The surname could also have been used as a topographical name for someone who lived near a place where cattle were kept or grazed. Overall, the surname Stears has a strong agricultural and rural connotation, reflecting the importance of livestock in medieval England. Today, the surname Stears is relatively uncommon and may be found mainly in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stears

The surname Stears is not a very common last name and is primarily concentrated in the United Kingdom. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Stears can be found in England, particularly in counties like Essex, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire. There are also smaller populations of individuals with the surname Stears in the United States, with notable communities in states like California, Texas, and Florida. Additionally, there are some individuals with the last name Stears in Australia and Canada, but these populations are relatively small compared to those in the UK and US. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Stears is fairly limited, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stears

The last name Stears can also be seen in various spellings and variations, including Stares, Stares, Steers, Steirs, and Steres. These different versions of the surname may have stemmed from different regions or dialects over time. The spelling variations could also be a result of clerical errors or phonetic differences in pronunciation. Regardless of the spelling, the surname likely has the same origin and meaning. Each variation of the last name Stears still signifies a connection to a common ancestry and carries a sense of familial unity. Whether spelled as Stears, Stares, Steers, Steirs, or Steres, the name remains a part of one's identity and family history.

Famous people with the last name Stears

One famous person with the last name Stears is Albert Stears, a British journalist and author known for his work with The Times and The Sunday Times. He is particularly well-known for his reporting on economic and political issues, and has written several books on these topics. Another notable individual with the last name Stears is Richard Stears, an American filmmaker and director who has worked on a number of successful television shows and movies. He is known for his innovative storytelling techniques and engaging visual style. Both Albert and Richard Stears have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are widely regarded as talented and respected professionals.

Genealogical research on the last name Stears

The last name Stears appears to have originated in England. The name is of Anglo-Saxon descent, and is thought to be derived from the Old English word "stier" which means strong or firm. The first recorded instance of the surname Stears dates back to the 13th century in the county of Essex. Over the years, the name has spread to other parts of Britain and even to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Stears family has been involved in various occupations throughout history, including agriculture, trade, and military service. Today, individuals with the surname Stears can be found in a variety of professions and locations around the world, continuing the legacy of their ancestors.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Stealey tranter (Last name)

surnames > stealey-tranter

The last name Stealey Tranter is of English origin. It is a combination of the surnames Stealey and Tranter, which likely originated as occupational names for individuals who worke...

Stealth (Last name)

surnames > stealth

The last name "Stealth" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "stelan," which means to steal or to move secretly. The name likely originated as a nickname f...

Štecherová (Last name)

surnames > techerova

The last name Stecherova is of Czech origin. It is a feminine form of the surname Stecher, which is derived from the Czech word "stecher," meaning "swordsman" or "fencer."

Steciuk (Last name)

surnames > steciuk

The last name "Steciuk" is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Ukrainian personal name "Stetsko" or "Stepan" which means "crown" or "wreath". The suffix "-iuk" is a common ...

Stee (Last name)

surnames > stee

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Steefan (Last name)

surnames > steefan

The last name "Steefan" is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Stefan," which means "crown" or "victory."

Steefen (Last name)

surnames > steefen

The surname Steefen is of German origin. It is a variation of the name Stephen or Stefan, which is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "wreath."

Steege (Last name)

surnames > steege

The last name "Steege" is of Dutch origin, derived from the Old Dutch word "stiege" which means ladder or stairway. It is believed to have been used as a surname for someone who li...

Steelex (Last name)

surnames > steelex

The last name "Steelex" is of English origin. It likely comes from the Old English words "sty" meaning "place" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing," suggesting that the name may ...

Steelheart (Last name)

surnames > steelheart

The last name "Steelheart" is of Old English origin, derived from the words "stel" meaning "steel" and "heorte" meaning "heart." This surname likely originated as a descriptive or ...

Steels (Last name)

surnames > steels

The surname Steels is of English origin and is thought to be a variation of the surname Steele. The name is derived from the Old English word "stal," meaning "steel" or "hard," and...

Steelworkshop (Last name)

surnames > steelworkshop

The last name "Steelworkshop" does not have a known origin in English. It appears to be a combination of the words "steel" and "workshop" but it does not have a specific historical...

Steendam (Last name)

surnames > steendam

The last name Steendam is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch words "steen" meaning stone, and "dam" meaning barrier or dam. This surname likely originated as a location-...

Steepan (Last name)

surnames > steepan

The surname Steepan is of Russian origin. It is derived from the given name Stepan, which is a variant of the name Stephen. The name Stephen comes from the Greek name Stephanos, me...

Stefanazzi (Last name)

surnames > stefanazzi

The last name Stefanazzi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Stefano, which is the Italian form of the name Stephen, meaning "crown" or "wreath." The suffix ...