Map of Scotland showing where the Adair arms are recorded
The Adair arms were recorded in Kinhilt, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Adair arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Adair Family in Scotland
The Adair family name has deep roots in the history of Scotland, particularly within the southwestern regions before spreading to major urban centers like Edinburgh. The name is derived from the Gaelic words for oak tree and ford, which suggests that the earliest ancestors likely lived near a prominent river crossing marked by oak woods. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that was then undergoing a massive transformation during the Scottish Enlightenment. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the Adair family were active participants in the professional and social life of the capital during this era of rapid growth. As the family moved from rural areas into the bustling streets of Edinburgh, they became part of the shifting landscape of a nation moving toward modern industry and trade.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a lion rampant az. between three dexter hands appaumée erected and couped gu”
EnglandGenoch, c. 1772
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Map of England showing where the Adair arms are recorded
The Adair arms were recorded in Genoch, c. 1772.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Scotland when the Adair arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Adair Family in England
The surname Adair has deep roots that trace back to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Borders and Northern Ireland before spreading into England. While the name is often associated with Gaelic origins, its presence in English records grew significantly during the eighteenth century as families moved south for trade and professional opportunities. By 1772, members of the Adair family were well-established in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a vital hub for commerce and social life in Northern England, making it a natural destination for families seeking to build new lives. These early settlers contributed to the local community, leaving behind traces in parish registers and municipal documents that help us map their movement across the country. Their presence in York reflects the broader trend of internal migration that defined the era, as families shifted from their ancestral homes to the growing urban centers of the English landscape.
Adair Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Athdara
Gaelic for ford at the oak tree
This name
AdairDerived from a place name meaning dweller at the oak tree ford.
also spelled
Adayr
Adayre
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
National Records of Scotland. Edinburgh Burgess Roll, 1406-1845
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
handFaith, sincerity and justice
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
handFaith, sincerity and justice
lionCourage, strength and royalty
