Adair

♀ Girl

Pronounced ə-DAIR /əˈdɛr/High

Meaning: From the Scottish surname Adair — 'the oak-tree ford' (Gaelic), or a form of Edgar ('rich/noble spear', Germanic); here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: The oak-tree ford: Adair is a Scottish surname — 'the oak-tree ford' (and 'a noble spear'). Crisp, soft, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowScottish, German

MeaningFrom the Scottish surname Adair — 'the oak-tree ford' (Gaelic), or a form of Edgar ('rich/noble spear', Germanic); here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#5412 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births23 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,420

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Adair comes from the Scottish surname Adair — variously 'the oak-tree ford' (Gaelic ath, 'a ford', plus dair, 'oak'), or a Scots form of Edgar, from Old English, 'rich/noble spear' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, soft, modern surname-name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, the-oak-tree-ford at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Adair is a Scottish surname — 'the oak-tree ford' (Gaelic ath, 'ford', plus dair, 'oak'), or a Scots form of Edgar, 'rich/noble spear' — a crisp, soft name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note).

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Adair — routes layered

Variations

AdaireAdare

Nicknames

Addy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Adair…

Blair— a fellow Scottish surname-name

Sinclair— a companion Scottish surname-name

Adley— a kin Ad- girls' name

Sloane— another sleek surname-name

Explore names like Adair

By themeuncertain unisex surname-name german scottish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Adair mean?

Adair is a Scottish surname, 'the oak-tree ford', or a form of Edgar ('noble spear'); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Adair?

It's said ə-DAIR /əˈdɛr/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Adair a boy or girl name?

Adair is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Adair?

Adair is a rare name in the U.S.