Follow
The most common prevailing spelling of this Family surname is LeGear. It originated in Ireland with the arrival of Johan Adam LeGear in 1709 from the Palatinate, nowadays part of Lower Germany. The family there is traced back to the 15th century with various other spellings, Leger, Legger etc. Predominantly LeGear in Ireland, there are several occasions where it has been recorded with alternative spelling such as Legeer, Legier, Legere etc. but LeGear prevails. However, there are distinctive variations from descendants that have emigrated elsewhere. LeGuier is now common in Australia for the descendants of Michael LeGear who arrived in the 1860s, Legeer in Maryland from the descendants of LeGears in the early 19th century who went there to work in the coalfields, and Legier in Vermont, again from settlers in the early 19th century many of whom farmed.