The name Diar is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a person who acted like an animal as the name was originally derived from the word deor, which meant "wild animal." In the Middle Ages, nicknames often described strong traits or features of animals. In the pre-Christian era, many pagan gods and demigods were believed to be a mixture of animals and humans, such as the Greek god Pan who was the god of flocks and herds and was represented as a man with the legs, horns and ears of a goat. In the Middle Ages, anthropomorphic ideas, which attributed human qualities and form to gods or animals. They were based on the creature's habits. Moreover, these associations were reflected in folk tales, mythology, and legends which portrayed animals behaving as humans.
 
Early Origins of the Diar family
The surname Diar was first found in Essex where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Diar family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Diar research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Diar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
 
Migration of the Diar family
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Diar surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Michael Dare who settled in Virginia in 1663; Samuel Dare arrived in New York in 1820; William and Mary Dair settled in Passamaquoddy Maine in 1822; Virginia Dare (1587-) was the first child of English parents born in America. She and her parents were among the settlers who disappeared from the ".