Menair History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

Etymology of Menair

What does the name Menair mean?

The age-old Pictish-Scottish family name Menair is derived from the personal name John. The Gaelic form of their name was originally Mac-Iain-uidhir, which means son of dun John. However, the Menair family of Perth traditionally derive their name from M'an-oighre, which means son of the heir. Experts have also theorized that the surname Menair may be derived from Mac-an-fhuibir, which means son of the smith, or Mac-an-huidhir, which means son of the stranger.

Early Origins of the Menair family

The surname Menair was first found in Perth, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Further to the south in England, the Menaire, Menear, Manhire and other variants claim descent from Walter Maenhir who was listed in Devon in 1293. The very rare variant Manhire traces back to Ellis Menheire who was listed in Devon in 1642. 1

Early History of the Menair family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Menair research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1392, 1526, 1546, 1776 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Menair History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Menair Spelling Variations

In the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. Menair has appeared MacNair, MacNaire, MacNayer, MacNeir, MacNuir, Menair and many more.

Early Notables of the Menair family

Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Menair Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Menair family to Ireland

Some of the Menair family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Menair family

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Menair: John McNair, a Highland Scott, from Kilkenny, Argyll, came to America in 1770 with his 2 surviving children and settled in Robeson County, North Carolina.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)