Surname Vere - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'V'
Vere: What does the surname Vere mean?
The surname Vere is of Norman origin, deriving from the French de Vere, meaning "of glass" or "from glass". It first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, the name became associated with nobility, chiefly the House of de Vere, who were one of the few families of Norman nobility who managed to maintain their status throughout the Middle Ages. They held the hereditary title of 'Earl of Oxford' for over five centuries. Therefore, the name Vere often signifies personages of higher social rank or status. Additionally, some theories suggest that the surname might have come from a place name, specifically from Ver in Normandy, an area famous for its glass-making industry during the medieval period. This place name theory is sometimes tied to its meaning "of glass". Another interpretation is that it might be derived from the Latin word "verus" meaning "true", hinting at one who is truthful or trustworthy. These interpretations are speculative, and the exact origin and meaning of the surname Vere might vary based on geographical and historical contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisVere: Where does the name Vere come from?
The surname Vere has its origins in England. It is derived from the old Norman word “de Ver” that translates to “of the spring” or “of the alder (tree)”. This suggests that the location or the property of the earliest persons bearing this surname was identified by an alder tree or a spring. It’s a toponymic surname, based on geographical locations.
The Vere family was a noble line that rose to power and fame in England during the medieval era. The 15 members of the Vere family who held the title of Earl of Oxford were prominent figures, often serving as close advisors to the ruling monarch. Additionally, this surname is historically attached to the noble de Vere family who held the hereditary office of Lord Great Chamberlain from 1133 to 1625.
Today, the surname Vere is not specifically common in any region, though it maintains a relatively higher prevalence in England due to its historical origins. Going by the distribution of the surname via various census data, Vere also appears in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and Canada among other countries.
Variations of the surname Vere
The surname Vere is of Norman origin, derived from a small town in the French region of Normandy. Variants of the surname Vere can include De Vere, Verey, Verre, Vear, Vaire, and Veree.
It's interesting to note that "de Vere" was the Anglicized version of the name, often used by nobility in the UK, notably by the Earls of Oxford.
Vere could also be an anglicized version of the Irish surname Mac an Bhaird, which is traditionally translated to "son of the bard".
Sometimes Vere can be mistyped as "Veere", "Veree" or "Verre". It is also possible that some modern variations could be developed based on phonetics, such as "Vear" or "Vee".
Direct transliterations of the name to other languages can cause further variations. In Dutch, the equivalent would be "van Vere", in Spanish, "de Vere", and in Italian, "di Vere".
Finally, while not directly linked, surnames such as "Weir", "Wear" or "Ware" might be linked to Vere due to phonetic similarities, depending on regional accents and dialects. However, this link is speculative and may not be definitive.
Famous people with the name Vere
- Aubrey de Vere: An English poet and critic best known for his sonnets.
- Horace Vere: An English military leader during the Eighty Years' War and the Thirty Years' War.
- Jonathan de Vere: A British author, television presenter, and public speaker.
- Diana de Vere: Known as Countess of Oxford, was one of the many mistresses of King Charles II of England.
- Vere Goold: An Irish tennis player known for his dramatic downfall.
- John de Vere: Known as the 13th Earl of Oxford, he was one of the principal Lancastrian commanders during the Wars of the Roses.
- Robert de Vere: Duke of Ireland, Marquess of Dublin, and Earl of Oxford, and a favorite of King Richard II of England.
- Charles Vere: A British army general who fought in the Seven Years' War.
- Sir Francis Vere: An English soldier, military commander during the Eighty Years' War and the Anglo-Spanish War.
- Sir Horace Vere: An English military leader, younger brother of Sir Francis Vere.
- Elizabeth de Vere: The daughter of the 17th Earl of Oxford and wife of William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby.