Show ContentsTear History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

On the Scottish west coast, the Tear family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the Tear family

The surname Tear was first found in on the Isle of Iona, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Tear family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tear research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Tear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tear Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Tear has appeared as MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the Tear family

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

Ireland Migration of the Tear family to Ireland

Some of the Tear family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Tear migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Tear Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • William Tear, aged 29, a mason, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Northern Light" 1
  • Thomas Tear (aged 32), a blacksmith, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Aliquis"
  • Mr. Thomas Tear, (b. 1824), aged 32, English blacksmith from Wiltshire, England, UKtravelling from Plymouth, Devon, UK aboard the ship "Aliquis" arriving in Adelaide, Australia on 26th August 1856 2
  • Mrs. Jane Tear (née Stevens), (b. 1833), aged 23, English settler from Wiltshire, England, UKtravelling from Plymouth, Devon, UK aboard the ship "Aliquis" arriving in Adelaide, Australia on 26th August 1856 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Tear (post 1700) +

  • Robert Tear CBE (1939-2011), Welsh tenor and conductor, known for singing in the operas of Benjamin Britten in the mid-1960, a teacher at the Royal Academy of Music

RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. Joseph Edward Tear, English Trimmer from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 3


The Tear Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.


  1. South Australian Register Monday 9th April 1855. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Norther Light 1855. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/northernlight1855.shtml
  2. The Ships List Passenger Lists Ship Aliquis (Retrieved 26th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/aliquis1856.shtml
  3. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/


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