Origin & Meaning of the Meares Surname
What does the last name Meares mean?
The surname Meares carries the meaning "Son of Meares." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,415 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Meares ranks as the #19,189 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Meares come from?
The Meares surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Meares name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Meares trace back to Spanish. 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 | Meares |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Meares |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #19,189 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,415 |
| Per 100K People | 0.48 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Meares
According to the US Census, the Meares surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,415 Americans with the Meares last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.8% |
| Black | 10.04% |
| Hispanic | 1.77% |
| Two or More Races | 1.34% |
Popularity of Meares Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Meares surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Meares surname increased by 55 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Meares.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meares
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