Origin & Meaning of the Dear Surname
What does the last name Dear mean?
The surname Dear carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,677 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dear ranks as the #8,906 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dear come from?
The Dear surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dear name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dear trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dear |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,906 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,677 |
| Per 100K People | 1.25 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dear
According to the US Census, the Dear surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,677 Americans with the Dear last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.9% |
| Black | 24.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.77% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.21% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 2.34% |
Popularity of Dear Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dear surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dear surname increased by 75 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Dear
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dear.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Dear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dear
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