Surname Speers - Meaning and Origin
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Speers: What does the surname Speers mean?
The surname Speers has a rich account rooted in ancient Scottish history. It belongs to the category of surnames known as habitation names and derives from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.
The surname Speers originated from the Old English term "spere" referring to a "spear". It is believed to have been used as a nickname in the middle ages for a tall, thin person who resembled a spear, or for a hunter or soldier skilled in using a spear.
Detailing back to the feudal society of medieval Scotland, Speers was first used in Renfrewshire, located on the southwestern region of the country. As such, the crest and coat of arms are strongly associated with this area.
Historically, the surname has undergone various spellings such as Speir, Speer, Spears, Speirs, and Speres due to the nature of ancient records and the lack of consistency in spelling rules.
Like any surname, its presence might not always denote genealogical descent from the first bearer of the name but could represent adoption for affection, convenience, or other reasons.
Order DNA origin analysisSpeers: Where does the name Speers come from?
The surname Speers has origins in Scotland, linked to the old barony of Speirs, located in the parish of Beith in Ayrshire. The name is derived from the Old English word "spere", meaning "spear", pointing to a possibility that the early bearers of the name could have been spear makers or spear carriers. The first recorded spelling "Speirs" was found in Ayrshire, and since then, several forms like Sper, Speir, and Speer have come about. In addition to Scotland, the name spread to Northern Ireland due to historical connections between the two regions.
Today, the surname is found most densely in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. The name is also prevalent in the United States, Australia, and Canada, largely due to emigration in previous centuries. According to recent data, the surname Speers is most common in the United States, followed by Northern Ireland and Australia. There is also a significant number of people with the surname Speers in Canada and Scotland.
Variations of the surname Speers
The surname 'Speers' originated from Northern Ireland and Scotland, and it has multiple variants and different spellings due to phonetic translations over time. The surname is derived from the Old English word 'spere,' meaning 'spear.' This occupational name was likely given to a spear maker or a warrior who used a spear.
Different spellings include Spears, Speirs, Speres, and Speares. Variants of the surname also exist due to regional dialects and translations, including Speer, Sper, Spere, and Spier.
The surname has also been Americanized in various forms, mainly due to Irish and Scottish immigration to the United States. Examples of these Americanized versions include Spear, Speir, and Sper.
Similar surnames that are related to the occupation of spearmaking include Spearman, Sperman, and Spearmaker, though these are less common. Some other related surnames might include Spiering, Spearing or Spearson.
In genealogical research, it's important to consider all these variants when researching the "Speers" surname as records could be listed under any of these spellings.
Famous people with the name Speers
- Brock Speer: He was an American southern gospel songwriter and singer, who was the leader of the Speer Family, a southern gospel family group.
- Fawn Speer: She was an American southern gospel singer, who was a member of the Speer Family, alongside Brock Speer.
- Ben Speer: He was an American singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive. He was a member of the Speer Family and had won several Grammy Awards.
- Alcide Speer: He was an American politician who served as the mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1934 to 1936.
- William Speer: He was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper in the early 20th century.
- Stevan Speer: He is a well-known American composer and music producer.
- Alison Speer: She is an American southern gospel singer and comedian.
- Brian Speer: He is an American veterinarian and author known for his work with birds and exotic animals.
- Guy Speer: He is a German-based value investor and financial writer.
- Jacques Philippe Speer: He was a German historian and professor at the University of Bonn.