| ![Show Contents]() Menear History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
In ancient Scotland, the ancestors of the Menear family were part of a tribe called the Picts. The name Menear is derived from the personal name John. The Gaelic form of their name was originally Mac-Iain-uidhir, which means son of dun John. However, the Menear family of Perth traditionally derive their name from M'an-oighre, which means son of the heir. Experts have also theorized that the surname Menear may be derived from Mac-an-fhuibir, which means son of the smith, or Mac-an-huidhir, which means son of the stranger. Early Origins of the Menear familyThe surname Menear was first found in Perth, 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. Further to the south in England, the Menaire, Menear, Manhire and other variants claim descent from Walter Maenhir who was listed in Devon in 1293. The very rare variant Manhire traces back to Ellis Menheire who was listed in Devon in 1642. 1 Early History of the Menear familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Menear research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1392, 1526, 1546, 1776 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Menear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Menear Spelling VariationsThe appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. Menear has been spelled MacNair, MacNaire, MacNayer, MacNeir, MacNuir, Menair and many more. Early Notables of the Menear familyAnother 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Menear Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Menear family to Ireland
Some of the Menear family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Menear migration to the United States | + |
The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Menear:
Menear Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Mr. Richard Menear, (b. 1883), aged 21, English miner travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 21st August 1904 en route to Hancock, Michigan, USA 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Menear (post 1700) | + |
- Trevor Menear (b. 1984), American guitarist and singer-songwriter
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Menear migration to the United States 
Scotland
Ireland
England
