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![Show Contents]() O'Rear History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Ireland
The name O'Rear has changed considerably in the time that has passed since its genesis. It originally appeared in Gaelic as O Riordain. The original form of the surname was O Rioghbhardain, which was originally derived from the words "riogh bhard," meaning "royal bard." Early Origins of the O'Rear familyThe surname O'Rear was first found in County Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster. Early History of the O'Rear familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Rear research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1750 are included under the topic Early O'Rear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. O'Rear Spelling VariationsBecause early scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded, a person could have many various spellings of his name.Many different spelling variations of the surname O'Rear were found in the archives researched. These included O'Riordan, Riordan, O'Rearden, Rearden and others. Early Notables of the O'Rear family (pre 1700)More information is included under the topic Early O'Rear Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. O'Rear RankingIn the United States, the name O'Rear is the 10,442nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [1]
 O'Rear migration to the United States | + |
The 18th century saw the slow yet steady emigration of Irish families to British North America and the United States. Those early Irish settlers that left their homeland were typically moderately well off: they were enticed by the promise of a sizable plot of land. However, by the 1840s, this pattern of immigration was gone: immigrants to North America were seeking refuge from the starvation and disease that the Great Potato Famine of that decade brought. The great numbers of Irish that arrived to the United States and the soon to be Canada were instrumental in their quick development as powerful industrial nations. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists uncovered many early immigrants bearing the name O'Rear:
O'Rear Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Geo. Wallace O'Rear, aged 28, who immigrated to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1920
- George Wallace O'Rear, aged 18, who settled in Richmond Hill, L.I., in 1920
| Contemporary Notables of the name O'Rear (post 1700) | + |
- Charles O'Rear (b. 1941), American photographer, best known for the image, Bliss that was used as the default desktop for Windows XP
- Robert O'Rear, former American employee of Microsoft, and is among the group of twelve early Microsoft employees who posed for a company photo in 1978
- Jim O'Rear (b. 1970), American actor and magician, screenwriter, and director
- Paddy O'Rear (b. 1952), Irish professional footballer
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: Pro Deo et patria
Motto Translation: For God and country.
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O'Rear migration to the United States 
