Hares

Origin

Derived from Old English, 'Hares' originally referred to someone associated with the hare, a swift and timid animal, symbolising agility and speed. In medieval England, surnames like 'Hares' signified proximity to or occupation involving hares, often linked to hunting or rural ways of life. There are no known Aboriginal or Māori origins for this name.

Meaning

Literal translation as 'hare', symbolising swiftness, agility, and gentleness in Australian contexts. Connotations include quickness and alertness, qualities valued in Australian bush lore and storytelling.

Pronunciation

/heərz/ (Australian English pronunciation: stress on first syllable, with a long 'ee' sound, and ending with a voiced 'z') . The pronunciation is straightforward, akin to British or American English, with subtle regional variations within Australia.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 26 July (Feast of Saint Anne - patroness of expectant mothers, celebrated in some Catholic communities)
• First Monday of September (Australian Labour Day, symbolising the 'hunting' for better work opportunities)
• 15 August (Assumption of Mary, celebrated in some Catholic traditions)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with hares:

• Liam and Hunter
• Jack and Oliver
• Ethan and Dylan

Fun Facts

• The name 'Hares' appears historically in Australian genealogical records, often linked to rural families with farming or hunting backgrounds.
• In Australian popular culture, 'Hares' has been used as a surname in stories highlighting rural and bushland adventures.
• The hare as an animal has cultural significance in Aboriginal Australian Dreamtime stories, symbolising rapid movement and cunning.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name hares:

• Energetic
• Swift
• Alert
• Cautious

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a clean, sharp visual appeal; the combination of the hard 'H' and the soft ending gives it a versatile, dynamic typographic character in Australian print and digital media.

Geographical Distribution

More frequently observed in rural and regional areas such as Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, particularly among families with historical ties to farming, hunting, or bushland lifestyles.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, symbolising power, success, and material achievement. It suggests a person destined for leadership or entrepreneurial pursuits, aligned with Australian values of independence.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the Zodiac sign Leo, which embodies confidence, leadership, and a warm-hearted nature, resonant with Australian cultural ideals of mateship and resilience.

Historical Context

Historically, 'Hares' was more prevalent as a surname in Australian colonial records, especially among families involved in pastoral activities. Although less common now, its usage persists in rural areas, nostalgic for ancestral heritage.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across English-speaking countries, maintaining recognisability. Minor variations include 'Hare' in British and American contexts; in non-English languages, it may be transliterated or spelled phonetically.

Famous People Named hares

• Jack Hares (Australian cricketer)
• Michael Hares (author)
• Liam Hares (local community leader)

Popularity in Australia