Surname Adair - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: A Deep Dive into the Celtic and Viking Roots of the Adair Lineage

The DNA test results from iGENEA have divulged an enticing blend of both Celtic and Norse Viking heritage connected with my surname, Adair. A DNA journey allowed me to peer into a past shared with the ancient Celts and Vikings, painting a portrait of complex interactions, migrations, and power dynamics that have inexorably influenced the course of my lineage.

D. Adair

Adair: What does the surname Adair mean?

The surname Adair is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Eadgar" which is composed of two elements: "ead," meaning prosperity or fortune, and "gar," meaning spear. It was typically used to refer to someone who was prosperous in battle or very wealthy. The name was brought to Ireland by Scottish settlers in the 17th century. It is found throughout Ireland but more commonly in Ulster. There are also variations of the name like Adaire, Adare and others. Over time, the surname has spread throughout the world due mostly to emigration. The surname Adair is quite popular in the United States, particularly in the South, brought by people of Irish and Scottish descent.

Adair: Where does the name Adair come from?

The last name Adair is of Scottish origin, derived from the old English personal name 'Edgar', which means 'fortunate and powerful'. Primarily identified with the Scottish clan Adair from Kinhilt in Wigtownshire and Galloway, Scotland, the name was established in Ireland by settlers who arrived during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.

Over the years, the Adair surname has spread to many parts of the world due to emigration and colonization. In the present day, this surname is most common in the United States, specifically within the states of Texas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. This prevalence in the U.S. is largely due to 18th and 19th century Scottish and Irish immigration. However, it's also still quite common in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Variations of the surname Adair

The surname Adair has Celtic origins, primarily traced back to Scotland and Ireland. Over the centuries, many variations, spellings and derivations of the name have emerged. Some of the most common variants and spellings of the name include Adare, Adaire, Adare, Adares, Adar, Adarr, Adaire, Adaeir and Adayr.

As a matronymic or patronymic surname, Adair means 'the son of Edgar' or 'fortune and spear'. It may also originate from a place name, Adare, in County Limerick, Ireland.

In some cases, similar surnames may be mistakenly thought of as variants or derivatives of Adair. These surnames could be Aird, Adar, and Dair, which bear phonetic similarities but have different origins and meanings.

It's important to remember that variations of the name may have emerged due to regional accents, disparate literacy rates, and transcription errors, so it's possible there are more variations and misspellings than those listed above. Furthermore, the specific spelling of the name can sometimes indicate different branches and origins of the Adair family.

In Genealogy research, it's always suggested to consider all possible spelling variations of a surname to make sure all potential records are reviewed.

Famous people with the name Adair

• Red Adair: American oil well firefighter, renowned for extinguishing and capping oil well blowouts during his career.
• Beegie Adair: American jazz pianist and bandleader who has produced numerous albums.
• Cherry Adair: South African-American romantic fiction writer, best known for her T-FLAC series.
• Paul Adair: Renowned British actor known for his work in television series like "Doctor Who."
• John Adair: Scottish academic known for his work in leadership studies.
• John Adair : Irish soldier and pioneer who played a key role in settling Kentucky.
• Robert Adair: An Anglo-Irish physicist known for his studies of electricity.
• Casey Adair: American activist and politician, served as the president of the Vermont National Organization for Women.
• Johnny Adair: Prominent loyalist paramilitary leader during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
• Jean Adair: Canadian actress best known for her role in Arsenic and Old Lace.
• Eddie Adair: Football player best known for his career with the Scottish League.
• Hazel Adair: British television screenwriter and actress known for her work on popular serial dramas.
• Jenny Adair: Irish squash player who has achieved significant success in her sporting career.

Other surnames

Adaies