Adair – Name Meaning
Adair is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Gaelic name “Edgar”. The meaning of Adair is “noble spear” or “noble strength”. It is also sometimes used as a surname.
History and Origin
The name Adair has its roots in Scotland, where it was first used as a given name in the 12th century. It was derived from the Old Gaelic name Edgar, which means “noble spear” or “noble strength”. The name was popularized by Sir John Adair, who was an influential figure in Scottish politics during the 17th century.
The name Adair has been used throughout history as both a first and last name. In Scotland, it is most commonly found as a surname, while in England and Wales it is more often used as a given name. In recent years, the popularity of the name has grown significantly in both countries.
Popularity
Adair is not a particularly common name in either England or Scotland. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, there were only 590 people with the first name Adair living in England and Wales in 2019. This makes it one of the least popular names in the country.
In Scotland, however, Adair is much more popular. According to data from the General Register Office for Scotland, there were 1,845 people with the first name Adair living in Scotland in 2019. This makes it one of the top 100 most popular names in the country.
Famous People Named Adair
There are several famous people who have been given the name Adair over the years. These include:
- John Adair, an influential figure in Scottish politics during the 17th century.
- Adair Turner, Baron Turner of Ecchinswell, a British businessman and former chairman of the Financial Services Authority.
- Adair Tishler, an American actress best known for her role as Molly Walker on Heroes.
Conclusion
Adair is a unique and interesting name with strong ties to Scotland. Its meaning of “noble spear” or “noble strength” makes it an ideal choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their child. Although it is not particularly common in either England or Wales, it is still widely used throughout Scotland and has produced some notable figures over the years.
