The name Sinclair is of Scottish origin and means "clear" or "bright". It is derived from the Old English word "scinc", which means "shine" or "sparkle". The name was originally a nickname given to someone who was considered bright, cheerful, or clear-eyed.
The Sinclair family, known as Clan Sinclair, is one of the most powerful and influential families in Scottish history. They were granted lands by Malcolm IV, King of Scotland, in the 12th century and have held these lands ever since. The Sinclairs have been involved in many historical events, including the Wars of Independence against England.
The name Sinclair has also been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Henry Sinclair, a 14th-century Scottish knight who is believed to have explored and colonized parts of North America long before Christopher Columbus. Another notable figure was Sir Archibald Sinclair, a British politician who served as Secretary of State for Air during World War II.
Today, the name Sinclair continues to be popular in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. It is often used as both a first and last name and can be found in various spellings, such as Sinclair, Sinclair, or Sinclare.
In summary, Sinclair is a Scottish surname with an Old English origin meaning "clear" or "bright". It has a rich history associated with the powerful Clan Sinclair and several notable figures throughout history. Today, it remains a popular name choice for both boys and girls in various countries around the world.
The name Sinclair has seen a variable but steady presence in the United States over the past three decades, with an overall total of 420 births recorded between 1989 and 2023.
During this period, the name's popularity experienced several peaks and troughs. The highest number of babies named Sinclair was in 2023, with a total of 22 births. This was a significant increase from the previous year, which saw only 12 births. Conversely, the lowest point occurred in 2007, with just 8 births recorded.
Despite these fluctuations, the name Sinclair has maintained a consistent presence throughout this timeframe. Between 1989 and 2004, the annual number of births averaged around 12 to 15, before rising slightly to an average of approximately 13 births per year from 2005 onwards.
It is worth noting that the name Sinclair has experienced a gradual increase in popularity over the past decade. After reaching a low point of 8 births in both 2016 and 2020, there was a notable resurgence in its usage, with 18 births recorded in 2021 and 22 births in 2023.
These statistics suggest that the name Sinclair continues to be a popular choice for parents in the United States, with its popularity showing signs of growth in recent years. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to more popular names, as evidenced by its total count of 420 births over 35 years.