Dares History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Dares is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a person who acted like an animal as the name was originally derived from the word deor, which meant "wild animal." In the Middle Ages, nicknames often described strong traits or features of animals. In the pre-Christian era, many pagan gods and demigods were believed to be a mixture of animals and humans, such as the Greek god Pan who was the god of flocks and herds and was represented as a man with the legs, horns and ears of a goat. In the Middle Ages, anthropomorphic ideas, which attributed human qualities and form to gods or animals. They were based on the creature's habits. Moreover, these associations were reflected in folk tales, mythology, and legends which portrayed animals behaving as humans.

Early Origins of the Dares family

The surname Dares was first found in Essex where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Dares family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dares research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dares History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dares Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Dares were recorded, including Dare, Dair and others.

Early Notables of the Dares family

More information is included under the topic Early Dares Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dares family to Ireland

Some of the Dares family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dares family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Dares family emigrate to North America: Michael Dare who settled in Virginia in 1663; Samuel Dare arrived in New York in 1820; William and Mary Dair settled in Passamaquoddy Maine in 1822; Virginia Dare (1587-) was the first child of English parents born in America. She and her parents were among the settlers who disappeared from the ".