Adair

♂ Boy

Pronounced uh-DAIR /əˈdɛər/High

Meaning: Oak ford; from Scottish/Irish Gaelic Ath Dara (ford of the oak tree)High

In 30 seconds: A Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning 'ford of the oak,' from ath (ford) and dara (oak). One of Scotland's and Ireland's historic surnames, now a distinctive given name with a crisp, literary feel.

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Origin HighScottish, Irish

MeaningOak ford; from Scottish/Irish Gaelic Ath Dara (ford of the oak tree)

U.S. rank (2025)#2145 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births67 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,797

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 Scottish/Irish Gaelic Ath Dara (ford of the oak), from ath (ford, river crossing) and dara (oak). Oaks were sacred to the ancient Celts, and ford-crossings were significant landmarks. The name became a hereditary Scottish surname.

Adair has been used as a given name in Scottish and Irish American communities. It has grown as a distinctive surname name in the 2010s–2020s. Its 2024 ranking of #2363 reflects modest but meaningful use.

Did you know? The oak was sacred to the ancient Celts — druids (from Celtic dru-wid: oak-knower) derived their very name from the oak tree. An 'oak ford' named in Gaelic would have been a landmark of genuine religious significance, making Adair a name with deep Celtic spiritual roots.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Adair — Scottish Gaelic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Adaire

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

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If you like Adair…

Alastair— Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander with the same -air ending

Blair— Scottish place-name with the same crisp one/two-syllable quality

Arlen— shares Adair's Irish roots

Angus— a similarly popular pick

Aidyn— another Irish name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Adair mean?

Adair means 'ford of the oak,' from Scottish/Irish Gaelic ath (ford) and dara (oak tree).

How do you pronounce Adair?

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

Is Adair a boy or girl name?

Adair is used as a boy's name here.

How popular is Adair?

Adair ranked #2363 for U.S. boys in 2024.