Blair is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "blàr" which means "field" or "plain". It has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries in Scotland.
The name Blair gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. In the United States, it was most popular among girls from the 1940s to the 1970s, while in Scotland, it has been consistently used for both boys and girls since the 1980s.
Historically, there have been several notable figures with the name Blair. One of the earliest is Robert Blair, a Scottish poet from the 18th century known for his poem "The Grave". In more recent times, Blair has become associated with prominent political figures such as Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Despite its historical usage and contemporary popularity, the name Blair does not have any specific meaning or legend attached to it. Its appeal likely stems from its unique sound and Scottish heritage. Today, Blair remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their child.
The name Blair has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. From 1914 to 1976, the number of births per year fluctuated between 5 and 59, with a notable spike in 1978. However, from 1979 onwards, there was a substantial rise in popularity, with over 100 births each year.
In the 1980s, the name Blair became even more popular, with over 400 births recorded annually between 1982 and 1986. The peak of this decade was reached in 1985, with a total of 513 births.
The popularity of the name continued to grow in the 1990s, with over 300 births per year from 1990 to 1997. Although there was a decrease towards the end of the decade, the name remained quite popular.
In the 21st century, Blair has maintained its popularity, with over 150 births each year since 2000. There were significant increases in popularity between 2016 and 2023, with a total of 1263 births recorded in 2023 alone.
Overall, the name Blair has experienced several peaks and valleys in popularity over the past century in the United States. Despite some fluctuations, it remains a popular choice for parents today, with thousands of babies named Blair each year.