Surname Gears - Meaning and Origin
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Gears: What does the surname Gears mean?
The surname Gears is a variant of the name Gairs, an Old English byname from the Old English word "gār" meaning spear. This suggests that the original bearers of the Gears surname may have been a brave warrior, or perhaps even a leader among the Saxons who adopted the name. Additionally, Gears is also a nickname surname, originating from an individual known for the use of the weapon, or similar traits. This suggests military or combative qualities.
The Gears surname has been around for centuries, emerging as early as 1166, where a William de Gares is recorded in the Pipe Rolls of the County of Northumberland. By the 14th century in England, it had spread across the country, referenced Balchegears, in Lancashire and Geres in Suffolk.
As a surname, Gears now primarily appears throughout the United States, predominately in the Midwest and South, with smaller numbers throughout New England and the West Coast. It could be assumed, but not proved, that this is due to 18th and 19th century migration patterns, as thousands of people moved from England to the American Colonies in search of a better life.
As such, the name Gears indicates a proud and adventurous past, referring to either a descendant of a combative individual, or a nickname for one exhibiting similar qualities. Bearing this in mind can bring a greater sense of pride and understanding to those with the surname gears.
Order DNA origin analysisGears: Where does the name Gears come from?
The last name Gears is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, particularly in the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. It is most frequently found among people of German and English descent, as the name likely originated from such roots. It appears to have first established itself in the US during the mid-1800s, with the original immigrants primarily coming from the British Isles or Germany.
In some cases, the name has also been used as an Americanized form of other Germanic or English-based surnames. For instance, Gearhart, a spelling variation of Gearhard, is also found in the US and likely refers to the same origin. Today, people with the last name Gears can be found across the United States, from the East and West coasts to the Midwest and across the south.
The surname is less likely to be found outside the US, although there have been some reports of the name in parts of the United Kingdom as well. In any case, the name is most common in the United States, though it may differ in spelling from one family branch to another.
Variations of the surname Gears
The surname Gears is an Anglicised spelling of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Garadhaigh. Variations of this surname include: McGeary, Garrey, MacGarry, MacGeary, Garrety, McGarry, and McGare. This surname is derived from the Irish prefix 'Mac' meaning son of and the surnames Geraghty, Garrity, and Garrahy, which all have their origins in the Irish Gaelic name Garadhach, meaning dangerous.
The names Giertych, Geraig, Geary, GARY, Gearty, and Geraghty, are also related to the surname Gears. Giertych is an old Polish surname of Germanic origin derived from a Slavic root gert meaning powerful or strong. Geraig is the name of a number of places in France, and has the same origin as Giertych. Geary is another spelling of the name Gears found in British registry records, and Gearty is an Irish variation of the same name.
Other related surnames include Garry, Garrye, Gerrey, Garrey Halle, and Garrott. Garry and Garrye are derived from the Irish 'Mac Garraidh', the anglicised version of the original 'Mac Garadhaigh', and have been found in birth records from the 16th century.
Gerrey is an anglicisation of the Irish 'Mac Garraoich', a variant of the original Mac Garadhaigh. Garrey Halle is a variant of the English name Gerrey and is believed to be of East Anglian origin. Garrott is an English surname which could be a diminutive form of the Irish 'Mac Garraidh'.
In conclusion, there are a number of variants, spellings, and related surnames that are associated with the surname Gears. Each of these variations offers further insight into the origins and history of the Geary family name.
Famous people with the name Gears
- Rocker Gears: Singer/songwriter and producer for metal bands such as Cruz Baptista, Downset, and Tesla.
- Chris Gears: American professional strongman and former Champion Powerlifter.
- Chris Gears: Former NFL defensive tackle for the New England Patriots.
- Richard Gears: Award-winning author and journalist.
- DeeGee Gears: Actress and voice-over artist known for her role on “Regular Show” and “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy”.
- Julian Gears: British actor best known for his role as King Tomard on “The Inheritance”.
- Lesley Gears: Costume designer for films such as “83 Days” and “Love’s Truth”.
- Sara Gears: British fashion designer and model.
- Esther Gears: American ceramic artist and sculptor.
- Miles Gears: Actor known for his roles in films such as “Flatliners” and “A Perfect World”.