Sinclair is a Scottish surname and given name of Norman origin, derived from the family name Saint-Clair, which means "clear" or "bright". The name was brought to Scotland by William fitz Duncan, a companion of William the Conqueror who settled in the Lowlands during the 12th century. It has since become strongly associated with Scottish history and culture.
In its given form, Sinclair is often used as a boy's name but can also be used for girls. It gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among Scottish families living abroad. Some notable individuals with the first name Sinclair include Canadian writer Sinclair Ross, American composer Sinclair Treadwell, and Australian rules footballer Sinclair Clark.
The name Sinclair has been immortalized in literature through works such as "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson, where the protagonist David Balfour encounters the character Alan Breck Stewart, also known as Alan Breck Sinclair. Additionally, the Sinclair family features prominently in Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Bride of Lammermoor".
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Sinclair is associated with clarity, brightness, and illumination. This could be interpreted literally, as a reference to light or vision, or metaphorically, as a representation of insight, intelligence, or enlightenment. The Norman origins of the name also imbue it with a sense of history, tradition, and European heritage.
Overall, Sinclair is an distinctive and historic first name with a strong Scottish pedigree. Its association with notable figures in literature and other fields further enhances its appeal as a choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Sinclair experienced a significant peak in popularity between 1994 and 2006, with an average of around 15 births per year during this period. However, there was a notable decline in the late 2000s and early 2010s, reaching a low of just 5 births in 2010. Since then, the name has seen a resurgence, with over 15 births recorded each year from 2014 onwards, reaching a recent high of 22 births in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 420 babies named Sinclair between 1989 and 2023.