History and Significance of the Surname Gear

The History of the Gear Surname

The surname Gear is of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "gearwe," meaning "ready" or "capable." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was quick-witted or alert.

United States

In the United States, the surname Gear is relatively common, with an incidence of 2778. It can be found scattered throughout the country, with concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and New York.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the surname Gear has a significant presence, particularly in England, where it has an incidence of 1504. It is also found in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with varying levels of frequency.

Australia

With an incidence of 1118, the surname Gear is fairly common in Australia. It is distributed across the country, with notable concentrations in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

Canada

In Canada, the surname Gear has an incidence of 714. It is most prevalent in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Notable Bearers of the Gear Surname

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Gear. One such individual is John Gear, a prominent American businessman and politician who served as the Governor of Oregon in the late 19th century.

John Gear

John H. Gear was born in Iowa in 1825 and became involved in politics at a young age. He served as a member of the Iowa State Senate and was later elected as the Governor of Oregon in 1870. During his time in office, Gear focused on improving infrastructure and education in the state.

Elizabeth Gear

Another notable bearer of the Gear surname is Elizabeth Gear, a British mathematician and scientist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. Gear's work laid the foundation for modern quantum computing and cryptography.

Modern Distribution of the Gear Surname

Today, the Gear surname can be found in countries all over the world, with varying levels of incidence. In addition to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, the surname is also present in countries such as New Zealand, Iraq, and South Africa.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the surname Gear has an incidence of 309. It is most commonly found in the North Island, particularly in the Auckland and Wellington regions.

Iraq

In Iraq, the surname Gear has an incidence of 189. It is most prevalent in the northern regions of the country, such as Kurdistan and Mosul.

South Africa

In South Africa, the surname Gear has an incidence of 138. It is distributed across the country, with concentrations in cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gear surname has a rich history and a global presence, with significant concentrations in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Notable individuals with the surname Gear have made contributions in fields such as politics, science, and mathematics. The surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its legacy and significance.