Shearer

Shearer is a surname of English and Scottish origin, derived from the occupation of sheep shearing. The name was historically a descriptive label for a person who sheared wool and later became a hereditary family name. It is found in many English-speaking countries and persists as a common surname today. In addition to being a family name, the term may refer to a person who performs shearing of animals or fleece.

Alan Shearer (born 1970) is the best-known bearer of the name. An English former professional footballer, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history. He is the league's all-time top scorer with 260 goals, achieved during spells with Blackburn Rovers (1992–1996) and Newcastle United (1996–2006). He earned 63 caps for England, scoring 30 goals, and later pursued a career in punditry and media.

As a surname, Shearer appears across various countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and North America, and is borne by individuals in diverse professions. The name’s use spans sports, academia, and the arts, reflecting its broad distribution in the English-speaking world.