Origin & Meaning of the Spear Surname
What does the last name Spear mean?
The surname Spear 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 13,284 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Spear ranks as the #2,712 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Spear come from?
The Spear 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 Spear name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Spear 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 | Spear |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,712 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,284 |
| Per 100K People | 4.5 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Spear
According to the US Census, the Spear surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,284 Americans with the Spear last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.89% |
| Black | 7.4% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 1.94% |
Popularity of Spear Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Spear surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Spear surname increased by 235 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Spear Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Spear ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Spear
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Spear.
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 Spear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spear
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Spear surname also look for: