Sandars is a surname of English origin. It has been borne by several notable individuals, primarily in the United Kingdom, spanning fields such as politics, archaeology, literature, and entertainment.
Notable bearers
- John Satterfield Sandars (1853–1934) – British Conservative politician who served as Member of Parliament for Liverpool West Derby from 1906 to 1918.
- Joseph Sandars (1785–1860) – English corn merchant and railway pioneer, recognized for his role in the development of the Manchester and Leeds Railway.
- Samuel Sandars (1837–1894) – English bibliographer, barrister and university benefactor, noted for his contributions to library collections at Cambridge University.
- Nancy Katharine Sandars (1914–2015) – British archaeologist and prehistorian, author of several works on European prehistory and a popular translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh. She was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (1975) and Fellow of the British Academy (1984).
- Clare Sandars (born 1934) – English former child actress, known for her role in the 1947 film The Magic Bow.
Etymology
The precise etymological origins of the surname Sandars are not definitively documented in widely available encyclopedic sources. It is plausible that it derives from a locational or occupational name, but further scholarly research would be required to confirm its roots.
Usage
As a family name, Sandars appears primarily in English-speaking contexts and has been associated with individuals who have achieved recognition in various professional domains. No broader conceptual or non‑surname meanings for the term are recorded in standard reference works.