Were is the surname of the following people: Beatrice Were (born c.1966), Ugandan AIDS activist Charles Ong'ondo Were (died 2025), Kenyan politician David Were, Kenyan politician Edward Were (1846–1915), Church of England Anglican bishop Gideon Were (1934–1995), Kenyan historian, author, publisher, administrator and entrepreneur Jesse Were (born 1989), Kenyan football player Jonathan Binns Were (1809–1885), Australian politician Mary Esther Were, Kenyan beauty pageant titleholder Miriam Were (born 1940), Kenyan academic and public health advocate Mugabe Were (1968–2008), Kenyan legislator Paul Were (born 1991), Kenyan football player Robert Were Fox the Younger (1789–1877), British geologist, natural philosopher and inventor Robert Were Fox the Elder (1754–1818), English Quaker businessman