Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Bear

      Origin 
      American

      Meaning 
      Bear-like

      Variations 
      Beard, Beary, Bearach

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Bear traces its origins to American, where it emerged as a given name reflecting the qualities associated with bears. Primarily used as a name, Bear gradually transformed into a first name, becoming an expression of strength, power, and fierceness. The name Bear holds deep historical significance, rooted in the Native American culture, where bears were regarded as sacred animals and symbols of protection and courage. It is important to note that the name Bear also appeared in various Native American languages such as Hopi, Lakota, and Shawnee, further emphasizing its cultural relevance.

      In modern-day usage, the name Bear has gained popularity, signifying a shift towards unique and nature-inspired names. Many parents choose this name for their children in an attempt to capture the symbolism and attributes associated with bears, embodying strength, independence, and resilience. Celebrities have also embraced the name Bear, further cementing its contemporary presence, as seen in the case of English adventurer Bear Grylls. His influence has undoubtedly contributed to the name's rising prominence in popular culture. Thus, the name Bear, with its American origins and bear-like connotation, remains a powerful and evocative choice that embodies the spirit of its ancient roots while adapting to today's naming trends.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Bear.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Bear.

      Clifford

      is the most common spouse name for Bear.

      August

      is the most common child name for Bear.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1855 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bear.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.