Summary

The surname Adair has origins in Scotland and Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac an t-Saoir, meaning 'son of the craftsman'. The Adair family has a long history and played prominent roles in Scottish and Irish society.
There are
18708
Adairs in the USA
Adair is the
1927th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Adair

RobertAdair

Robert Adair (1763-1855) was an Irish politician who served as a Member of Parliament and held several governmental positions, including Chief Secretary for Ireland and Ambassador to Turkey.

EmilyAdair

Emily Adair (1819-1892) was a British botanist and author known for her work on orchids and other tropical plants. She conducted extensive research and contributed to the field of botany.

GeorgeAdair

George Adair (1907-1996) was an American basketball player and coach. He played for the University of California, Berkeley and later coached several college basketball teams.

DaisyAdair

Daisy Adair is a fictional character from the television series 'Dead Like Me.' She is portrayed by actress Laura Harris and is a reaper who guides souls to the afterlife.

WilliamAdair

William Adair was a Scottish architect known for his work on various buildings and estates, including Drum Castle and Ellon Castle in Scotland.

JohnAdair

John Adair (1757-1840) was an American pioneer and military officer who played a significant role in the settlement of Kentucky and the Northwest Territory.

SarahAdair

Sarah Adair is a contemporary American artist known for her abstract paintings and mixed media artworks. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums internationally.

JamesAdair

James Adair (1709-1783) was an Irish trader who lived among Native American tribes in the southeastern United States. He wrote extensively about their customs and culture.

GraceAdair

Grace Adair is a British fashion designer known for her avant-garde and experimental clothing designs. She has showcased her work at various international fashion events.

ThomasAdair

Thomas Adair (1823-1881) was an Irish poet and songwriter. He composed many popular songs and ballads, including 'The Ploughboy' and 'The Red Ribbon'.

Adair Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Adair' is of Scottish origin and is derived from Gaelic elements. It is believed to be a locational surname, indicating someone from the village of 'Adare' in County Limerick, Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Adair' is found primarily in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. It is most common in areas with historical Scottish and Irish immigration, such as the Scottish Highlands, County Antrim in Northern Ireland, and regions of the United States with significant Scottish and Irish diaspora communities.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Adair' include 'Ader,' 'Ada,' 'Eder,' 'Adyer,' 'Adder,' 'Adrain,' 'Adour,' 'Allaire,' and 'Ailair.' These variations may reflect different regional pronunciations or spelling adaptations over time.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Adair' has been carried by immigrants and their descendants who migrated from Scotland and Ireland to other countries. This includes individuals who settled in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other parts of the British Empire during periods of colonial expansion and economic opportunities.