Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Blair
The forename Blair originally comes from a Scottish surname derived from the pre-9th century Scottish-Gaelic word blár meaning "plain, field” but more specifically used in the sense of a “battlefield.” There are various villages in Scotland so-called Blair, most notably in Perthshire and Dunfermline, as well as a prestigious castle (in Blair Atholl) and an estate (in Ayrshire) that bare this name. Variously recorded as de Blare, Blare, Blayr, and, the most popular, Blair, this illustrious Scottish surname first appeared in the early 13th century rendered as “de Blare.” Famous surname bearers include Eric Blair, the real name of George Orwell (1903-1950), author of Nineteen Eighty-Four (a well-known satire of totalitarianism) and Tony Blair (b. 1953), former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. As a forename, Blair’s roots are masculine. It has been in use since the 18th century.
All About the Baby Name – Blair
Personality
OF THE BOY NAME BLAIR
Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.
Popularity
OF THE BOY NAME BLAIR
Historically speaking, Blair is considered a masculine name. It dates back to at least the 19th century in America, and saw its peak success in the 1950s and 60s. It wasn’t until the late 20th century (1980s) when American parents began considering this name for girls. As so often happens, once enough baby girls are given an otherwise male name, it begins to become unappealing to parents of boys. While it’s still in circulation for girls, Blair lost his position on the male naming charts in 1995. Less than 75 baby boys were given this name in 2014 (compared to almost 500 for baby girls). Blair is not exactly a top choice for girls either. This name has never seen anything but low-moderate success for either gender. In Scotland, however, Blair is still rocking the battlefield as a Top 100 boy’s name (the Scots don’t use it for girls). We also think Blair sounds like the name of a boy who belongs at some swanky private boarding school with the likes of Brooks, Chauncey, Sebastian, Sterling and Winston. It just has that certain air to it.
Quick Facts
ON BLAIR
GENDER:
Boy
ORIGIN:
Celtic
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
1
RANKING POPULARITY:
N/A
PRONUNCIATION:
BLARE
SIMPLE MEANING:
Battlefield
Characteristics
OF BLAIR
