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The frequent translations of surnames from and into Gaelic, accounts for the multitude of spelling variations found in Scottish surnames. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent because medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules. The different versions of a surname, such as the inclusion of the patronymic prefix "Mac", frequently indicated a religious or clan affiliation, or even a division of the family. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into Scotland, accelerating accentuating the alterations to various surnames. The name Adair has also been spelled Adair, Odeir, Edzear, Edgar, Adare and others.
First found in Galloway. Tradition has it that the foundation of the family of Adair of Dunskey and Kinhilt originated from a fugitive son of Fitzgerald, Earl Desmond of Adair in Ireland. Desmond was descended from Otto Geraldino, a Norman noble who accompanied William, Duke of Normandy into England in 1066. He also accompanied Strongbow into Ireland in 1172, and became Earl of Desmond. He settled in Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.
Some of the first North American settlers with Adair name or one of its variants: Alice Adair, who settled in Charles Town SC in 1776; Ann Adair settled in New York State, in 1774; James Adair settled in Pennsylvania in 1771.
Motto Translated: Faithful unto death.
For more information on the last name Adair, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.
- Paul Neal "Red" Adair (1915-2004), renowned American oil field firefighter. The 1968 John Wayne movie Hellfighters was based upon the feats of Adair during the 1962 Sahara Desert fire
- John Adair (1655-1722), Scottish surveyor
- Rhona Adair (1878-1961), British golf champion
- Sir Robert Adair (1763-1855), English diplomat
- Craig Adair (b. 1968), Canadian painter
- General Sir Alan Adair, Yeoman of the Queen's Guard
- Sir Gilbert Adair, biophysics
- Major General Sir Allan Henry Shafto Adair (1897-1988), 6th Baron, British Army general who commanded the Guards Armoured Division from 12 September 1942 until the end of the war
- John Eric Adair (b. 1934), British leadership development consultant
Tell Me More About Family Crests
Family Crests: the Heraldic Artist
We have researched the Adair family crest in the most recognized sources. Before an artist or craftsman can render a family crest, it must exist. In other words the crest must have been designed and recorded by the heralds from time immemorial.
Heraldic designs matriculated by the lay-artist in many cases becomes uninspired, meretricious and even ugly...
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Family Crests: Timeline
Many of the symbols adopted into armory have been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians, but heraldry itself did not begin until the 11th century. In continental Europe, the most ancient recorded family crest was discovered upon the monumental effigy of a Count of Wasserburg in the church of St. Emeran, at Ratisobon, Germany...
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Family Crests: Elements
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Family Crests and Genealogy: how they relate
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Adair Family Crest Products
Anniversary products for the name Adair. Apparel proudly displaying the Adair family crest. Armorial histories for the name Adair. Ceramics featuring the family crest for the surname Adair. Clip art of all the most used heraldic pieces. Coat of Arms for the name Adair. Downloads displaying the family crest for the name Adair. Family Crest for the name Adair. Family Tree emphasing the Adair family crest. Hand Painted Plaques showing the Adair family crest. Keychains showing the Adair family crest. Mouse pads revealing the Adair family crest. New Products featuring the family crest for the surname Adair. Packages with the family crest for the name Adair. Plaques and Frames proudly displaying the Adair family crest. Surname Histories for the name Adair. Symbolism with a Adair coat of arms. Travel Mugs showing the Adair family crest. |
The Adair Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Adair Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.
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Top 7 Gifts
- Coat of Arms / Family Crest Coffee Mug
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- Coffee mugs (set of four)
- Set of Four Large Tiles with Coat of Arms
- Set of Four Small Tiles with Coat of Arms
- Tote Bag and Water Bottle
















