Blair is a name of Scottish origin, meaning "plain" or "field". It was traditionally given to boys, but has become more popular as a girl's name in recent years.
The name Blair is derived from the Gaelic word "blàr", which means "plain" or "field". It was originally used as a surname in Scotland before being adopted as a given name. The most famous bearer of the name Blair is arguably John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Buchan and Sheriff of Orkney, who lived in the late 14th century.
Over time, the name Blair has become more popular around the world. In the United States, it has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for both boys and girls since the mid-20th century. It is particularly popular in Scotland, where it ranks as one of the most common surnames.
Today, Blair is worn by people of all ages and genders around the world. While its meaning remains grounded in Scottish history and nature, its popularity has made it a globally recognized name with a wide variety of associations.
The name Blair has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with notable fluctuations in its usage throughout different eras.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Blair was used sparingly but consistently, with an average of around five births per year between 1881 and 1914. However, starting from 1915, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with over 60 births recorded that year alone.
The peak of Blair's popularity occurred during the post-World War II baby boom era. Between 1943 and 1953, the number of babies named Blair tripled, reaching its zenith in 1952 with a total of 268 births. This trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with over 200 babies named Blair each year.
However, by the late 1970s, the popularity of the name began to wane. Between 1978 and 2013, there was a steady decline in the number of births registered as Blair, with an average of around 60-70 births per year.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the usage of the name Blair. Since 2014, the number of babies named Blair has increased significantly, reaching 81 births in 2022 and 84 births in 2023. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name may ebb and flow over time, it remains a timeless choice for parents looking for a unique and distinctive name for their child.
Overall, Blair has been used consistently as a baby name in the United States since the late 19th century, with periods of significant popularity and declines in usage throughout its history. Despite these fluctuations, the name continues to be chosen by parents today, indicative of its enduring appeal.