Blare

The surname BLARE is believed to have originated in Germany, with records dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old German word "blaren," which means "to blare" or "to make a loud noise." This suggests that the name may have been given as a descriptive nickname to someone with a particularly loud voice or who played a loud instrument.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name BLARE can be found in the Codex Diplomaticus Saxoniae, a collection of historical documents from the region of Saxony, dated around 1200 AD. Here, a man named Henricus Blare is mentioned as a witness to a land transaction.

In the 14th century, the name appears in several town records from the Rhineland region of Germany. For instance, a baker named Hans Blare is recorded as a resident of Cologne in 1352.

As the name spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, such as Blayer, Blayre, and Blaire. In England, the spelling BLARE first appeared in the late 15th century, likely brought over by German immigrants.

One notable bearer of the BLARE surname was Johannes Blare, a German composer and organist who lived in the late 16th century. His works include several sacred motets and organ pieces, which were widely performed during his lifetime.

Another significant figure was Sir William Blare, an English military commander who served under King Henry VIII in the early 16th century. He played a crucial role in the siege of Tournai in 1513 and was knighted for his bravery on the battlefield.

In the 17th century, the name BLARE can be found in various parish records across England and Scotland. For example, a family by the name of Blare resided in the village of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, during this time.

One interesting connection to a place name is the village of Blare in Wiltshire, England. While the origins of this place name are unclear, some scholars suggest that it may have been derived from the surname BLARE, potentially indicating that a family with this name once held land or influence in the area.

Other notable bearers of the BLARE surname include:

1. Johann Blare (1582-1647), a German theologian and author of several religious texts. 2. Elizabeth Blare (1628-1702), an English poet and playwright during the Restoration period. 3. Robert Blare (1717-1790), a Scottish mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics. 4. Charles Blare (1844-1923), an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Missouri. 5. Emily Blare (1892-1972), a British suffragette and activist for women's rights in the early 20th century.