McNair Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McNair come from? What does the surname McNair mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McNair and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McNair Origin: What does the last name McNair mean?
The surname McNair has its origins in Scotland, with records dating back to the early 17th century. The name is closely associated with Scottish heritage and expanded further in the 18th century, with notable growth in the United States. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the McNair surname grew significantly, particularly in the United States.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the McNair surname in Scotland in the early 17th century, with subsequent expansion in the United States. The surname remains prominent in the United States today, reflecting a rich history and heritage that has continued to thrive across generations and regions.
McNair Last Name History: Where did the last name McNair come from?
Origin of Mcnair Surname: Where does the last name Mcnair originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mcnair first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Mcnair spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mcnair: What does the Mcnair surname history look like in the early days?
The Mcnair surname remained closely associated with Scotland in the 17th century and further expanded in the 18th century, with notable growth in the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mcnair surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Mcnair surname grew significantly in the United States. The Mcnair surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore McNair last name heritage and McNair surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McNair Surame?
Steve McNair
Stephen LaTreal McNair (February 14, 1973 – July 4, 2009), known as "Air McNair," was an American professional football quarterback who played in the NFL for 14 seasons. He was the first franchise quarterback of the Tennessee Titans and also played for the Baltimore Ravens. McNair won the Walter Payton Award in college and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times in the NFL. He was tragically killed in a murder-suicide at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and respected player in the football world.
Richard Lee McNair
Richard Lee McNair (Dec 19, 1958 - ) is an American convicted murderer known for his multiple escapes from prison. McNair murdered one man and shot another during a robbery in 1987, leading to two life sentences. He evaded capture by using creative methods like squeezing out of handcuffs with lip balm and hiding in a pallet of mailbags. McNair's escapes made him a top fugitive wanted by US Marshals, with his mugshot featured on America's Most Wanted. He traveled to Canada to avoid capture before being apprehended in 2007. McNair's time as a fugitive was documented through prison correspondence with a Canadian journalist.
Ronald McNair
Ronald Erwin McNair (October 21, 1950 – January 28, 1986) was an American NASA astronaut and physicist. He became the second black American in space, flying on the Space Shuttle Challenger. McNair's dedication to his faith, the Bahá'í Faith, and his musical talent as a saxophonist set him apart. Tragically, he lost his life in the Challenger disaster at the age of 35. McNair's legacy lives on through his contributions to space exploration and his passion for music.
Barbara McNair
Barbara Jean McNair (Mar 4, 1934 – Feb 4, 2007) was an American singer, actress, and entertainer whose career spanned over five decades. Starting in music in the late 1950s, she later transitioned to television and film, appearing in popular shows like "Hogan's Heroes" and movies like "Change of Habit." McNair's powerful voice and stage presence captivated audiences worldwide, earning her a place in the Four Girls Four act alongside industry legends. Despite personal struggles, including bankruptcy and a tumultuous marriage, McNair's talent and resilience continue to inspire fans. Her legacy lives on through her timeless music and memorable performances.
Paddy McNair
Patrick James Coleman McNair (27 Apr 1995 -) is a Northern Irish professional footballer known for his versatility as a centre-back or right-back. McNair started his career at Manchester United before moving to Sunderland and Middlesbrough. He has also represented the Northern Ireland national team, making his senior debut in 2015. McNair's impressive performances have earned him recognition, including being named Middlesbrough Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season. In 2024, he signed with Major League Soccer club San Diego FC. McNair's journey in the world of football continues to showcase his skill and dedication to the sport.
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