McNair is a Scottish and Irish surname, originating from the Gaelic Mac an Airchinnigh, meaning “son of the clerk” or “son of the parson.” It is derived from the Old Irish “airchinnigh,” which referred to a learned person or scholar. The McNair family has a rich history, with notable individuals such as astronaut Ronald McNair and jazz musician Harold McNair. Today, the McNair name can be found across the globe, representing a proud legacy of scholarship and achievement.