| ![Show Contents]() Nearing History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Nearing originated among the descendants of the ancient Pictish clans. It 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 Nearing family of Perth traditionally derive their name from M'an-oighre, which means son of the heir. Experts have also theorized that the surname Nearing 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 Nearing familyThe surname Nearing 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 Nearing familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nearing research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1392, 1526, 1546, 1776 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Nearing History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Nearing Spelling VariationsDuring the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name Nearing include MacNair, MacNaire, MacNayer, MacNeir, MacNuir, Menair and many more. Early Notables of the Nearing familyAnother 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nearing Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Nearing family to Ireland
Some of the Nearing 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.
| Nearing migration to the United States | + |
Scots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of Nearing:
Nearing Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Elena Nearing, aged 44, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "La Touraine" from Havre, France 2
- Alfred Nearing, aged 20, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Caronia" from London, England 2
- Nellie Nearing, aged 34, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "La Lorraine" from Le Havre, France 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Nearing (post 1700) | + |
- Scott Nearing (1883-1983), American politician, Representative from New York 14th District, 1918; Workers Candidate for Governor of New Jersey, 1928 3
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Nearing migration to the United States 
England
Scotland
Ireland
