Origin & Meaning of the Mears Surname
What does the last name Mears mean?
The surname Mears carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,988 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mears ranks as the #3,569 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mears come from?
The Mears surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Mears name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mears trace back to European. 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 | Mears |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,569 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,988 |
| Per 100K People | 3.39 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mears
According to the US Census, the Mears surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,988 Americans with the Mears last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.98% |
| Black | 6.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.82% |
Popularity of Mears Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mears surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mears surname increased by 282 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mears Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mears ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Mears Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mears Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mears
- ✓ The Mears coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mears families live today
- ✓ Notable Mears bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Mears
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mears.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Mears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mears
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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