Sinclair is a name that has an interesting history and meaning, and has been used as both a first and last name. The name has roots in Scotland and France, and is derived from the Latin word “clarus,” meaning “pure, renowned, illustrious.” Some sources suggest that the name may have originally been associated with a hermit saint, while others trace it back to the St. Clare or St. Clere surname.
Sinclair has primarily been used as a male name, and has gained popularity in recent years as a vintage pick. According to BabyCenter, Sinclair is currently ranked #8656 in popularity for baby boy names in 2022, up 34 spots from the previous year. The name has also been associated with traits such as purity and renownedness, which may appeal to parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
Overall, Sinclair is a name that carries a rich history and meaning, and may be a good choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. Whether you are interested in the name’s Scottish or French roots, or simply drawn to its association with purity and renown, Sinclair is a name that is worth considering.
Sinclair Name Meaning
Sinclair is a boy’s name of French and Latin origin. This vintage pick was once exclusively a surname but is now poised for an epic comeback alongside Felix, Charles, and Emile. The name is shared with the 3rd-century bishop Saint Clair and ultimately comes from the Latin word clarus, meaning “pure,” “renowned,” and “illustrious.”
According to ThoughtCo, Sinclair is a derivation of the St. Claire surname, taken from the hermit St. Clare or St. Clere. The name comes from the Latin clarus, meaning “pure, renowned, illustrious.”
The Scoto-Norman surname Sinclair comes from the Clan Sinclair, whose progenitors moved to Scotland and were given the land of Roslin, Midlothian by the King of Scots. The style “Sinclair” is the most common.
On BabyNames.com, Sinclair is described as a male name of English origin that means “From St. Clair, France.” It was originally an English surname.
The name Sinclair is also associated with the word “synklar,” which is a variation of the name that means “a clear sign” in Latin.
Overall, Sinclair is a name with a rich history and meaning that is poised for a comeback in popularity.
Origin of the Name
The surname Sinclair has its origins in Scotland, England, and Normandy, France. It is a derivation of the original French de Saint-Clair. The name has also been styled “Santoclair,” “de St. Clair,” “Sainclair,” “Synklar,” and many more across the centuries.
It was often bestowed as a habitational surname for someone from one of several places named for the dedication of their churches to St. Clarus, such as Saint-Clair-sur-Elle in Manche, Normandy, France.
The Sinclair surname is the 79th most popular surname in Scotland. It is also a relatively common surname in England, with a concentration in the southeast of the country.
The name Sinclair is also of English origin, with the first recorded use of the name in England dating back to the 12th century.
The name Sinclair is derived from the Latin “sanctus” meaning “holy” and “clarus” meaning “clear” or “bright.” It can be translated to mean “a clear sign” or “holy light.” The name is still in use today and has been given to notable individuals in various fields, including literature, sports, and politics.
Historical Context
The Sinclair name has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It is believed to have originated in Scotland and is a derivation of the original French de Saint-Clair. The name has been styled in many ways over the centuries, including “Santoclair,” “de St. Clair,” “Sainclair,” and “Synklar.” The name Sinclair is derived from the hermit St. Clare or St. Clere, and it means “pure, renowned, illustrious” in Latin.
The Sinclair family is one of the oldest and most prominent families in Scotland, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. The Sinclairs were a powerful clan that held lands in Midlothian, Caithness, and the Orkney Islands. They were also known for their military prowess and played a significant role in the wars of Scottish independence.
The most notable individuals with the Sinclair surname include John Sinclair, Alexander Sinclair, Charles Sinclair, Lewis Sinclair, Malcolm Sinclair, and Upton Sinclair. John Sinclair was a bishop in Scotland in the 17th century, while Alexander Sinclair was an Earl of Caithness in the 16th century. Charles Sinclair was a Scottish politician, and Lewis Sinclair was an American author who won the Nobel Prize in literature.
The Sinclair family crest features a green shield with a gold rooster in the center. The crest also includes a red lion rampant and a silver cross. The motto of the Sinclair clan is “Commit thy work to God,” which reflects their strong religious beliefs.
The Sinclair name has played a significant role in Scottish history, and it continues to be a popular Scottish surname today. It is also a popular English surname, with many notable individuals bearing the name, including Archibald Sinclair, Clive Sinclair, Donald Sinclair, Edward Sinclair, George Sinclair, Harry Sinclair, Henry Sinclair, James Sinclair, and Andrew Sinclair.
One of the most famous locations associated with the Sinclair name is Rosslyn Chapel, located in Roslin, Scotland. The chapel was built by the Sinclair family in the 15th century and is known for its intricate stonework and mysterious symbolism. It has been featured in several books and movies, including Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code.”
Sinclair as a Given Name
Sinclair is a unisex given name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a name that has a rich history and a variety of meanings depending on the origin. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering Sinclair as a name for your child.
Gender
Sinclair is a name that can be used for both boys and girls. It is a great option for parents who are looking for a gender-neutral name that is not too common.
Meaning
The meaning of the name Sinclair varies depending on the origin. The American meaning of Sinclair is “Prayer,” the French meaning is “A clear sign; From St. Clair,” and the Scottish meaning is “Prayer.”
Popularity
Sinclair is a relatively rare name, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. In 2022, Sinclair was the 1,345th most popular boy’s name in the United States, and the 2,189th most popular girl’s name.
Famous Bearers
There have been several famous people with the name Sinclair. One of the most well-known is Sinclair Lewis, an American author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930. Other notable people with the name Sinclair include Charlotte Sinclair, a British food writer, and Emile Sinclair, an English footballer.
Variations
There are a few variations of the name Sinclair, including Synclair and Saint Clair. These variations have similar meanings and can be used as alternatives to Sinclair.
Overall, Sinclair is a unique and versatile name that can be a great choice for parents who are looking for something a little different. With its rich history and variety of meanings, Sinclair is a name that is sure to stand out.
Sinclair in Popular Culture
The name Sinclair has made its way into popular culture in various ways. Here are some notable mentions:
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Sinclair Lewis: He was an American writer and novelist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930. He wrote several books, including “Main Street,” “Babbitt,” and “Arrowsmith.” Sinclair Lewis was a prominent figure in the literary world and his works are still celebrated today.
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Sinclair Broadcast Group: It is an American telecommunications company that owns and operates several television stations across the country. Sinclair Broadcast Group is the largest owner of local television stations in the United States. The company has been in the news recently due to its controversial editorial policies.
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St. Clair: The name Sinclair is derived from the name St. Clair, which is associated with several saints. St. Clair of Assisi was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi, while St. Clair of Vienne was a bishop in the 3rd century. The name St. Clair means “clear” or “bright.”
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French Origin: The name Sinclair is of French origin. It is derived from the town of St. Clair in Normandy, France. The name was brought to Scotland by the Normans and became the surname Sinclair.
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American Author: Sinclair is a unisex name that has been used by several American authors. Sinclair Lewis, mentioned earlier, is one of them. Another is Upton Sinclair, who was an American writer and political activist. He wrote several books, including “The Jungle,” which exposed the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry in the early 20th century.
In conclusion, the name Sinclair has made its way into popular culture in various ways, including through famous writers, companies, and saints. Its French origin and use as a unisex name have also contributed to its popularity.
Global Distribution of the Sinclair Name
The Sinclair name is not very common globally, with approximately 4,929 people bearing the name according to Forebears.io. However, the name has a significant presence in certain countries.
United States
In the United States, Sinclair is not a very common name, ranking as the 14,623rd most common surname in the country. According to Forebears.io, the highest density of people with the Sinclair name in the US is in the state of South Carolina.
Canada
Sinclair is a slightly more common name in Canada, ranking as the 2,656th most common surname in the country. According to Forebears.io, the highest density of people with the Sinclair name in Canada is in the province of Saskatchewan.
Australia and New Zealand
Sinclair is not a very common name in Australia or New Zealand. In Australia, Sinclair is ranked as the 4,843rd most common surname, while in New Zealand it is ranked as the 1,707th most common surname.
Ireland
The Sinclair name has a low presence in Ireland, with only a few individuals bearing the name. However, the name has a significant history in Ireland, with some sources suggesting that the name may have originated from the Irish Gaelic name O’Sincleir.
Scottish Meaning
The Sinclair name has a strong Scottish meaning, with the name originating from the Norman habitation name, derived from when families lived at St. Clai-sur-Elle in La Manche and in St-Clair-L’Evêque in Calvados, Normandy where the site of the seignorial castle is still discernible. The name has been styled in many different ways across the centuries, including “Santoclair”, “de St. Clair”, “Sainclair”, and “Synklar”.