Sinclair Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Sinclair come from? What does the surname Sinclair mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Sinclair and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Sinclair Origin: What does the last name Sinclair mean?
The surname Sinclair originates from Scotland and is associated with the Clan Sinclair. The name is derived from the French de Saint-Clair and has variations like Santoclair, de St. Clair, and Sainclair. According to YourRoots data, the earliest record of the Sinclair surname dates back to Scotland in the early 11th century. Throughout the centuries, the Sinclair surname remained closely tied to Scotland, with records increasing in frequency from the 11th to the 15th century.
YourRoots data also indicates that by the 19th century, the United States had more Sinclair surname records than Scotland, with the trend continuing into the 20th century. However, Scotland still has a significant number of Sinclair records in the 21st century. The Sinclair surname can now be found globally in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, showcasing its widespread presence and rich history.
Sinclair Last Name History: Where did the last name Sinclair come from?
Origin of Sinclair Surname: Where does the last name Sinclair originate from?
The data from YourRoots indicates that the earliest record of the Sinclair surname can be traced back to Scotland, in the United Kingdom, around the early 11th century. It's important to remember that this data only pertains to the exact spelling of "Sinclair", and does not take into account other sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Sinclair: What does the Sinclair surname history look like in the early days?
Throughout the centuries, the surname Sinclair remained closely associated with Scotland. From the 11th to the 15th century, the frequency of Sinclair family records grew substantially in Scotland, according to YourRoots data. By the 17th century, the Sinclair surname had begun to appear more frequently in other countries, although Scotland continued to have the highest volume of records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Sinclair surname today?
By the 19th century, the United States had surpassed Scotland in terms of the volume of Sinclair surname records, a trend which continued into the 20th century. Despite this shift, Scotland still maintains a significant number of Sinclair records in the 21st century. Today, the Sinclair surname can be found in many countries globally, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Explore Sinclair last name heritage and Sinclair surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Sinclair Surame?
Upton Sinclair
Upton Beall Sinclair Jr. (Sept 20, 1878 - Nov 25, 1968) was an American author, muckraker, and political activist known for his impactful work during the Progressive Era. He gained fame for his novel "The Jungle," which exposed the harsh conditions in the U.S. meatpacking industry. Sinclair's writings led to the passage of key legislation on food safety and labor rights. He was also a Pulitzer Prize winner and a Democratic Party nominee for governor of California. Sinclair's legacy as a social reformer and advocate for the working class continues to inspire readers and activists today.
Scott Sinclair
Scott Andrew Sinclair (March 25, 1989 - present) is an English professional footballer known for his career in various clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Celtic. He has represented England at youth levels and played for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Sinclair has won multiple awards during his time with Celtic, including the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year. Currently playing as a winger for EFL League One club Bristol Rovers, he recently signed a short-term deal to return to his boyhood club in October 2022.
Jaz Sinclair
Jasmine Sinclair Sabino (born July 22, 1994) is an American actress known for her role as Rosalind "Roz" Walker in the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She has also appeared in films like Paper Towns and When the Bough Breaks, as well as various television roles. Sinclair has showcased her talent not only on screen but also through music, releasing tracks under the stage name Jasimi. With a growing presence in the entertainment industry, Sinclair continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances.
Madge Sinclair
Madge Dorita Sinclair CD (née Walters; April 28, 1938 – December 20, 1995) was a Jamaican actress known for her roles in iconic films and TV series such as "Roots," "Coming to America," "The Lion King," and "Trapper John, M.D." Sinclair's talent and charisma earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and five Emmy nominations throughout her career. With a memorable voice performance as Sarabi in "The Lion King," Sinclair left a lasting impact on audiences. Her legacy in the entertainment industry continues to inspire aspiring actors and fans alike.
Christine Sinclair
Christine Margaret Sinclair (born Jun 12, 1983) is a retired Canadian soccer player known for her incredible career with the Canadian national team and the Portland Thorns in the NWSL. She holds the record for the most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals. Sinclair has won numerous awards, including two Olympic bronze medals and one gold, along with being named Canada Soccer Player of the Year 14 times. She is a true legend in the world of soccer, known for her skill, leadership, and sportsmanship.
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