Clan Adair (Adair Tartan)

2. Clan Adair History

The name Adair first appeared in Renfrewshire when Thomas Edzear obtained a charter from Robert I for the estates of Kildonan in the Rynes of Galloway.

Thomas most likely came from a line that included Edgar son of Duvenald, a commander at the Battle of the Standard. The name "Edzear" can be discovered in a 1625 charter where both the name "Adair" and "Edzear" are used.

Robert Richard Dictus Edger also received land from me in Dumfries.
Renfrewshire is now the place where the name Adair is most prevalent.

3. Clan Adair Tartans

No Adair Tartan exists. They don the Maxwell tartans because they are a sept of Clan Maxwell. The Old & Rare series also includes a Maxwell muffled.

Maxwell Modern

Maxwell Hunting

4. Clan Adair Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Adair Crest

4.2 Clan Adair Coats of Arms

5. Clan Adair Places & People

5.1 Adair Places

Dunskey Castle

Built in around 1510 by the Adairs of Kinhilt, who also controlled the Castle of St. John in Stranraer. The 17th century saw the expansion of the fortress.

5.2 Adair People

5.2.1 John Adair (9 January 1757 – 19 May 1840)

John Adair, a pioneer, soldier, and politician in the United States, was a South Carolina native and the son of Scottish immigrants.

Adair enlisted in the South Carolina colonial militia at the start of the American Revolutionary War, but the British caught him twice. After the war, he entered politics. As a politician, he served as Kentucky's 8th governor and represented the state in the Senate and House of Representatives.

5.2.2 Gilbert Adair (1944 – 2011)

Scottish novelist, poet, film critic, and journalist Gilbert Adair was also a journalist. The translation of Georges Perec's work A Void, which omits the usage of the letter e, is perhaps most recognized. As a result, he received the Scott Moncrieff Translation Award.

He is also well-known for two movies that were made based on his books: Bernardo Bertolucci's The Dreamers and Love and Death on Long Island.

He spent most of his time in Paris despite being a Kilmarnock native. Peter Pan and the Only Children and Alice Through the Needle's Eye were two of his works.

He was the recipient of the Author's Club First Novel Award in 1988 for his book The Holy Innocents, and from 1992 to 1996 he also contributed the "Scrutiny" column to The Sunday Times.

Thirteen months after having a stroke that left him blind, Adair passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage.

5.2.3 James Makittrick Adair (1728–1802)

He was the youngest son of James Makittrick and was born in Inverness. He received his education at the University of Edinburgh. He is renowned for his moral treatment of the underprivileged and slaves.

He started his military career before moving to Antigua to start his medical studies. Later, he served as a surgeon's mate on the Porcupine as it sailed to the Leeward Islands. His time there is when he first learned about the treatment of slaves on the plantations. He was well-known and respected among the slave community despite not being an abolitionist and being worried about the subpar living conditions of the island's slaves.

He met Benjamin Franklin and struck up a friendship with him while in America.

He changed his name to Adair while traveling for an additional lengthy spell in the West Indies to

5.2.4 John Adair (c. 1655-1722)

Scottish surveyor and mapmaker John Adair was honored as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1688 for the quality of his work.

Adair, who was regarded in 1683 as a "mathematician and skilful mechanic," was given a commission by the Privy Council to examine Scotland's provinces.

Although three acts of tonnage were passed in 1686, 1695, and 1705 to raise money for his work, financial issues remained and had a significant impact on his output.

Adair had only few of his maps etched while he was still alive, and sadly, the majority of his map manuscripts were destroyed in a fire in 1811.

More information 

Clan Adair, also known as the Adair Tartan, is a Scottish surname that belongs to the patronymic surname class.

Patronymic surnames originated from local language vocabulary elements and were derived from the personal name of the original bearer's father.

The surname Adair is derived from the given name Edgar, which means prosperity.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the origins, history, variations, notable individuals, and the Adair family motto.

We will delve into the rich heritage of the Adair surname, its connection to Scotland, and its influence on the world.

6. Origins of the Adair Surname

The Adair surname has its origins in Scotland, specifically in the region of Galloway. Surnames in Scotland were usually derived from either the father's name, occupation, or a descriptive characteristic.

The surname Adair is derived from the personal name Edgar, which means prosperity.

7. Galloway: The Birthplace of the Adair Family

Galloway, located in southwestern Scotland, is the birthplace of the Adair family. Today, it is part of Dumfries and Galloway. The Adair family of Dunskey and Kinhilt can trace their origins back to a 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 went to Ireland in 1172 with Strongbow and became Earl of Desmond. He settled in Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.

8. The Adair Family in Ireland

The Adair family has a strong connection to Ireland. Many notable individuals with the Adair surname have lived in Ireland throughout history.

The Adair surname can be traced back to Fitzgerald, Earl Desmond of Adair in Ireland, who was descended from Otto Geraldino, a Norman noble. The Adair family settled in Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.

9. Variations of the Adair Surname

Like many Scottish surnames, the Adair surname has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries.

Translations into and from Gaelic, as well as the influence of foreign names, have contributed to the different versions of the surname. Some variations of the Adair surname include Adair, Odeir, Edzear, Edgar, Adare, and others.

10. Notable Adair Immigrants to North America

Many of the first immigrants from Scotland to North America carried the Adair surname. These immigrants played a significant role in shaping the history of the United States.

Some notable individuals who arrived in the United States with the Adair surname include Thomas Adair, William Adair, and John Adair.

These individuals and their descendants had a lasting impact on the development of various regions in North America.

11. Adair Settlers in New Zealand

In addition to North America, some Adair settlers also made their way to New Zealand. These settlers contributed to the country's cultural and historical landscape. While the number of Adair settlers in New Zealand may be smaller compared to other regions, their presence is a testament to the global influence of the Adair surname.

12. The Adair Family Motto: "Loyal au mort"

The Adair family motto is "Loyal au mort," which translates to "Faithful unto death." This motto reflects the values and loyalty held by the Adair family throughout the generations. It serves as a reminder of the strong bonds within the clan and the unwavering commitment to their beliefs.

13. Conclusion

The Adair surname holds a significant place in Scottish history and heritage. It is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Edgar, meaning prosperity.

The Adair family has its roots in Galloway, Scotland, and has since spread to various parts of the world, including Ireland, North America, and New Zealand.

The variations of the Adair surname reflect the diverse influences that have shaped Scottish surnames over the centuries. The Adair family motto, "Loyal au mort," exemplifies the loyalty and commitment that runs deep within the clan.

The rich history of the Adair surname continues to shape the identity and legacy of the Adair family. Through their contributions and achievements, the Adair family has left an indelible mark on the world.

The Adair surname serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Scottish people.

For more information on the Adair surname and its descendants, "The Descendants of James Adair" by Miriam Dabbs Adair is a valuable resource.

It provides further insights into the Adair family's history, highlighting their significance in the broader tapestry of Scottish heritage.

Sources:

• Clan Adair | Adair Tartan: A Brief History
• Early Adair History
• Scottish Surnames and Spelling Variations
• Notable Adair Immigrants to North America
• Adair Family in Ireland
• Adair Settlers in New Zealand
• The Adair Family Motto