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Baird Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Baird Surname

The Baird surname is of Scottish origin, first appearing in historical records during the early 13th century. Its roots are deeply embedded in Scottish history, providing a rich context for those interested in family history and genealogy. The surname Baird is believed to have signified a notable lineage, paving the way for a comprehensive exploration of the Baird family tree.

As the centuries progressed, the Baird surname spread throughout Scotland, particularly flourishing during the 14th and 15th centuries. By the 16th century, the Baird family had established prominent branches in various regions, leading to an increase in records and a broader community presence. This expansion continued into the 17th century, as members of the Baird family began migrating to other parts of the world, including a significant movement to the United States in the 18th century, reflecting the adaptability and resilience of the Baird genealogy.

YourRoots data affirms the early Scottish origins of the Baird surname, highlighting its presence in Scotland since the 13th century. This foundation supports the documented spread of the Baird family tree across Scotland and beyond. The YourRoots dataset provides a valuable resource for those seeking to trace their Baird ancestry, offering insights into the family's geographic and historical journey through the centuries.

In contemporary times, Baird genealogy records reveal a widespread global presence, with many descendants residing in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The YourRoots database serves as a crucial tool for genealogy enthusiasts, helping to connect individuals with their ancestral roots and offering a deeper understanding of the Baird family's historical narrative.

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Origin of the Baird Family: Where does the Baird surname come from?

The Baird surname first appeared in records from Scotland during the early 13th century, marking the beginning of a significant lineage within the region. This early mention establishes the Baird family as a notable part of Scottish history, providing a foundation for genealogical exploration. The connection to Scotland not only highlights the geographic roots of the surname but also serves as the starting point for family trees that would branch out in the centuries to follow.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Baird

Throughout the following centuries, the Baird family began to spread across Scotland, with notable growth in the 14th and 15th centuries. Key regions within Scotland became home to various branches of the Baird family, as they established their presence and built their family trees. By the 16th century, the surname saw a significant increase in records, indicating a flourishing community and the expansion of family lines.

Tracing the Baird Family Tree Through the Centuries

The evolution of the Baird surname continued into the 17th century, when members of the family began migrating to other countries, most notably the United States, where a substantial number settled in the 18th century. This global spread showcases the adaptability and resilience of the Baird family, as they established roots across multiple regions. Over the centuries, the Baird family tree grew to encompass branches in various countries, including Canada and Australia, further enriching their genealogical narrative.

Where to Find Baird Genealogy Records Today

In modern centuries, particularly during the 20th and 21st centuries, the Baird surname has continued to be prevalent, especially in the United States where many descendants reside. The global spread of the surname provides an extensive network for those seeking to connect with their ancestral roots. Readers are encouraged to explore the Baird genealogy records in the YourRoots database to uncover their own family connections and deepen their understanding of the Baird family history.

Famous People with Baird (and Their Family Tree)

Maggie Baird

Maggie Baird

Maggie Baird is an accomplished American actress and musician known for her work on Broadway, television, and film. She made her television debut in 1981 on "Another World" and appeared in notable series such as "Bones," "The X-Files," and "Six Feet Under." As a voice actress, she contributed to popular video game series like "Mass Effect" and "Saints Row." Baird is also recognized for her role in "Life Inside Out," a film she co-wrote and starred in alongside her son Finneas O'Connell. In 2009, she released her debut album, "We Sail," and in 2020, she co-founded the nonprofit Support + Feed with her children.

Maggie Baird was born on March 29, 1959, to Edith "Edie" Shaw and William "Bill" Norton Baird in Fruita, Colorado. Her family includes her older brother, politician Brian Baird. She was raised in Fruita, where she graduated from Fruita Monument High School in 1977. Baird's mother passed away following a heart attack, and her father died in 2001 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Diora Baird

Diora Baird

Diora Baird is an acclaimed American actress and former Guess? model, renowned for her roles in films like "Wedding Crashers" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning." Her modeling career was highlighted by a notable appearance on the cover of Playboy magazine, boosting her exposure significantly. Baird's acting career includes roles in TV shows like "Two and a Half Men" and the Hulu series "Casual," as well as voice work in the "Scarface" video game. She has featured in several comedy videos for the Funny or Die website, further showcasing her versatile talent.

John Logie Baird

John Logie Baird

John Logie Baird was a pioneering Scottish inventor and electrical engineer best known for his groundbreaking work in television technology. He demonstrated the world's first mechanical television system in 1926 and later developed the first publicly demonstrated color television system and a viable electronic color television picture tube. Baird's contributions, including the first transatlantic television transmission in 1928, have solidified his place in history as a key figure in the evolution of broadcast television. Recognized among the greatest Scottish scientists, Baird's legacy continues to be honored with accolades like the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame induction and commemorative events such as the unveiling of a 50p coin by the Royal Mint.

John Logie Baird was born on 13 August 1888 in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, as the youngest of four children to Reverend John Baird, a minister with the Church of Scotland, and Jessie Morrison Inglis. His mother was the orphaned niece of the affluent Inglis family, known for their shipbuilding endeavors in Glasgow. Baird's family background and upbringing in a religious household did not deter his agnostic beliefs, and he maintained a harmonious relationship with his father despite differing views.

Brian Baird

Brian Baird

Brian Norton Baird, born March 7, 1956, is a distinguished American psychologist and politician known for his tenure as a U.S. representative for Washington's 3rd congressional district from 1999 to 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Baird chaired the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and co-founded several caucuses, including the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. After Congress, he served as the president of Antioch University Seattle. Baird's career also includes roles in academia as the chairman of the Department of Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University and contributions as a licensed clinical psychologist.

Brian Baird was born in Chama, New Mexico, to Edith Shaw and William Norton "Bill" Baird, who served as a town councilman and mayor. His family includes his younger sister, Maggie Baird, an actress.

Pamela Baird

Pamela Baird

Pamela Baird, born Pamela Beaird on April 6, 1945, in Bexar County, Texas, is a former television actress renowned for her role as Mary Ellen Rogers, Wally Cleaver's girlfriend on the classic series Leave It to Beaver. Her career highlights also include recurring roles on My Friend Flicka and Bachelor Father. After graduating from Covina High School and Westminster Choir College, she transitioned from acting to family life. Baird's final acting appearances were on Mr. Novak and Perry Mason in 1964. Her legacy in television continues to intrigue audiences worldwide.

Pamela Baird married Robert Hensley, a fellow Texan and former actor, in 1973. Together, they had five children and dedicated their lives to starting churches and performing Gospel music across the country. Her husband passed away in 2016.

Baird Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Baird" is primarily of Scottish origin. It is a common surname associated with various notable individuals across different fields, including politics, sports, and the arts.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Baird

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Baird family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Baird surname to learn more.

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