MAIR
Mair
Mair is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the personal name "Máel" meaning "noble" or "chief" in Gaelic. The name has historical roots tracing back to medieval Scotland and has evolved over the centuries to its current form.
Origin and Meaning
The surname Mair is believed to have originated in Scotland, particularly in the north-eastern regions. The name is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Máel," which conveys the sense of nobility or leadership. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, such as "Mares" and "Mare." The name might have also been influenced by Norse or Norman elements due to Scotland's historical interactions with these cultures.
Prominent Individuals
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Mair, contributing to various fields such as academia, literature, and the arts. Notable bearers of the surname include:
-
Sir Herbert Mair (1880-1926): A distinguished British Army officer who served during World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery.
-
Camilla Mair: An acclaimed Scottish author known for her contributions to contemporary Scottish literature, particularly in the genre of historical fiction.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Mair is relatively common in Scotland and has also spread to other English-speaking regions, such as England and Canada. Its popularity might vary in different areas due to factors such as migrations and historical settlement patterns.
Trivia
-
The Mair family crest features elements symbolising strength, honour, and loyalty, reflecting the noble origins of the name.
-
Variants of the surname, such as Mayer and Meier, can be found in other European countries, highlighting the surname's diverse etymology.
In conclusion, the surname Mair is a distinguished Scottish name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its roots in Gaelic and its association with nobility and leadership underline its enduring appeal among individuals bearing this surname.
There are approximately 6,237 people named Mair in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,521st most common surname in Britain. Around 96 in a million people in Britain are named Mair.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Colin
- David
- George
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Amir
- Maar
- Maara
- Maari
- Maeer
- Maer
- Maerz
- Magher
- Mahan
- Mahar
- Maher
- Mahir
- Mahr
- Mahra
- Mahri
- Mai
- Maia
- Maier
- Maior
- Maira
- Maire
- Maires
- Mairey
- Mairis
- Mairn
- Mairns
- Mairs
- Maor
- Mar
- Mara
- Marae
- Marah
- Marai
- Maray
- Mare
- Maree
- Marei
- Mares
- Marey
- Margh
- Marh
- Mari
- Maria
- Marie
- Mario
- Maris
- Mariz
- Maro
- Maroe
- Maroo
- Marow
- Marr
- Marra
- Marrai
- Marre
- Marree
- Marres
- Marri
- Marria
- Marrie
- Marro
- Marrs
- Marry
- Mars
- Maru
- Marx
- Mary
- Marz
- Mau
- Mauer
- Maur
- Maura
- Maure
- Mauree
- Mauri
- Maurie
- Mauro
- Mauroo
- Maury
- Maw
- Mawer
- Mawi
- Mayer
- Mayr
- Mayra
- Mayre
- Mayres
- Mayrs
- Meagher
- Mear
- Meara
- Meare
- Meares
- Mears
- Meary
- Meer
- Meere
- Meher
- Mehr
- Mehre
- Meier
- Meir
- Meira
- Meire
- Meires
- Meiri
- Meirs
- Mer
- Mere
- Merr
- Merre
- Meyre
- Miar
- Miars
- Mier
- Miers
- Miiro
- Mior
- Mir
- Mira
- Mire
- Miri
- Miro
- Mirr
- Mirra
- Miru
- Mirz
- Mmari
- Moar
- Moara
- Moare
- Moares
- Mohr
- Moor
- Moore
- Mor
- More
- Moree
- Morr
- Mour
- Moure
- Mur
- Murai
- Mure
- Murie
- Murr
- Murre
- Murrie
- Myer
- Myrie
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.