Were is the surname of the following people:

• Beatrice Were (born c.1966), Ugandan AIDS activist
• David Were, Kenyan politician
• Gideon Were (1934–1995), Kenyan historian, author, publisher, administrator and entrepreneur
• Edward Were, 19th-century Anglican bishop
• 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