Origin & Meaning of the Shear Surname
What does the last name Shear mean?
The surname Shear 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 3,356 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shear ranks as the #9,669 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shear come from?
The Shear 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 Shear name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shear 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 | Shear |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,669 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,356 |
| Per 100K People | 1.14 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shear
According to the US Census, the Shear surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,356 Americans with the Shear last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.03% |
| Black | 2.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.83% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% |
Popularity of Shear Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shear surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shear surname increased by 38 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shear Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shear ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shear Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shear Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shear
- ✓ The Shear coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shear families live today
- ✓ Notable Shear 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 Shear
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shear.
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 Shear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shear
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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