Find out how popular the first name Laird has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Laird by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Laird is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Laird.

The history of the first name Laird

The name Laird originates from the Scottish Gaelic word "lard" meaning lord or landowner. It was initially used to refer to a landed proprietor in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. The name has its roots in the feudal system that existed in Scotland during the Middle Ages.

Historically, the title of Laird was granted to individuals who held land or estates directly from the crown or a superior feudal lord. These landowners often wielded significant power and influence within their local communities and played a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of Scottish society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Laird can be traced back to the 13th century, when it appeared in various legal documents and charters related to land ownership and property transactions. In these historical records, the term was often used interchangeably with other titles such as "baron" or "lord."

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Laird. One prominent example is Laird of Glenurquhart (c. 1300 - 1360), a Scottish nobleman who played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. Another notable figure was Laird of Duart (c. 1450 - 1520), the chief of Clan Maclean and a powerful landowner in the Scottish Hebrides.

During the 16th century, the name Laird gained further recognition when Sir Ninian Laird (c. 1510 - 1579) served as a prominent judge and politician in Scotland. He held the position of Lord Justice Clerk and played a pivotal role in the legal and judicial system of the time.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook the impact of Laird of Abbotsford (1771 - 1832), better known as Sir Walter Scott. As a renowned novelist and poet, Scott's works, such as "Ivanhoe" and "The Lady of the Lake," brought Scottish culture and heritage to the forefront, further popularizing the title of Laird.

While the title of Laird is still recognized in Scotland today, it has largely become a symbolic designation rather than a legal or feudal one. However, the name continues to hold historical and cultural significance, reflecting the rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands and the importance of land ownership in the country's past.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Laird was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Laird, please contact us.

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