Posted by Maris on 4th Sep 2023
All You Need To Know About Adair Clan
The patronymic surname, which evolved through vernacular and religious naming practices, is one of the most prevalent groups of Scottish surnames. The vernacular or regional naming tradition is the oldest and most common patronymic surname. According to this custom, names were traditionally formed of vocabulary components from the local language. Patronymic surnames of this type were typically derived from the father’s name. Adair is a surname derived from the given name Edgar, which means “prosperity.”
The Adair Family’s Origins in the Past
The surname Adair was first recorded in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), a region of southwestern Scotland that is currently part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Area and originally included the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway). According to legend, the Adair of Dunskey and Kinhilt line was founded in Ireland by a runaway son of Fitzgerald, Earl Desmond of Adair. Desmond was derived from Otto Geraldino, a Norman lord who came to England with William, Duke of Normandy in 1066. In 1172, he also joined Strongbow into Ireland, becoming Earl of Desmond. He made his home in Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.
Variations in Adair Spelling
Scottish surnames have many spelling variations because the names were constantly translated into and from Gaelic over the years. Furthermore, because medieval scribes and church officials transcribed names as they sounded rather than following any set spelling norms, surname spelling was rarely consistent. Adding the patronymic prefix “Mac” to a surname frequently signified a religious or Clan membership or possibly a family partition. Furthermore, many foreign names were introduced into Scotland, hastening the adjustments to diverse surnames. Adair has also been spelled Odeir, Edzear, Edgar, Adare, and other variations.