Wear — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #9,366 in the US 3,473 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#9,366
▼ Down 316 since 2000
People in the US
3,473
1.18 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Wear Surname

What does the last name Wear mean?

The surname Wear 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 3,473 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wear ranks as the #9,366 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Wear come from?

The Wear 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 Wear name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Wear 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.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Wear
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #9,366
US Count (2010) 3,473
Per 100K People 1.18
First Letter W

Ethnic Distribution of Wear

According to the US Census, the Wear surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,473 Americans with the Wear last name.

White 90.58%
Black 3.71%
Hispanic 2.51%
Asian/PI 0.6%
Native American 0.98%
Two+ Races 1.61%
Ethnic distribution of the Wear surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White90.58%
Black3.71%
Hispanic2.51%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.6%
Native American0.98%
Two or More Races1.61%

Popularity of Wear Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wear surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#9,050
3,321 people
Down 316
Census 2010
#9,366
3,473 people

The number of Americans with the Wear surname increased by 152 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Wear Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wear ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Wear

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wear.

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 Wear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wear

The surname Wear is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Wear is ranked #9,366 in the United States with approximately 3,473 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Wear surname is distributed as: 90.6% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Wear ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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