Lear is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'leorn', which means 'learned' or 'wise'. This name has been associated with learning, knowledge, and wisdom throughout history. The name Lear was made famous by William Shakespeare's tragic play "King Lear," where it is the title character's name. However, its usage as a given name predates the play and continues to be used independently of its literary association. Today, Lear remains a rare but meaningful choice for parents seeking an unusual yet significant name for their child.
The name Lear experienced a notable increase in popularity around the early to mid-2010s, with an average of six births per year between 2009 and 2013, peaking at seven births in 2015. However, there was a significant gap in usage from 1997 to 2009, with only five births recorded during that period. Overall, a total of 36 babies were named Lear over the given years.