Meares

Meares is a proper noun used as both a surname and a geographic toponym in English-speaking regions. The spelling can appear as Meares or Mears in various records, reflecting common historical variant forms of English surnames.

As a surname, Meares has appeared in public records across Britain, Canada, and other former colonies. Bearers have been involved in governance, science, and the arts, and the name continues to appear in genealogical and civil registries.

Meares Island is a notable geographic feature off the west coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, within Clayoquot Sound near Tofino. The island is associated with ancient temperate rainforest remnants and is a site of conservation and research interest.

In addition to a toponym, the name Meares has been used for other minor geographic features and for institutions or ships named in honor of individuals bearing the surname, though none has achieved global prominence.