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Surname Etymology and Meaning of MCNAIR

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Name meanings and etymologies are often disputed. The information here is compiled from freely available sources, and no claims whatsoever are made for accuracy, either historical or etymological.

1. Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Iain Uidhir ‘son of sallow John’. This form is associated mainly with Ross-shire.
2. Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac an Oighre ‘son of the heir’. This form is associated mainly with Perthshire.
3. Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac an Mhaoir ‘son of the steward or keeper’. The same name in Ireland was commonly Anglicized as Weir.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names (2003)