The Baird Surname: Meaning, Origin and History

The Baird surname is an old Scottish name that dates back to the medieval period.  Historical records show that families with the Baird surname lived predominantly in the Lowlands of Scotland, although the name also appears in parts of northern England.  This blog article looks at the origins, meaning, history, variations, and notable people with the Baird surname.

Origins of the Baird Surname

The surname Baird has Scottish roots.  The most widely supported theory is that it comes from the Gaelic word bardd. 

Some surname books and older genealogies have suggested a possible Norman link, probably because many Scottish families had Norman origins after the 11th century.  However, there is no solid historical or documentary evidence that the Baird family came from Normandy or arrived with the Norman Conquest.

Early records of the Bairds in Scotland appear in the 12th and 13th centuries, but these do not trace them to Norman settlers.

Baird Surname Meaning

The Baird surname comes from the Gaelic bardd, which means poet or minstrel.  In medieval Scotland, bards were highly respected as musicians and storytellers.  Consequently, the name likely began as a nickname for someone who performed or composed verse.

History of the Baird families

One of the earliest mentions of the name is Henry de Barde, recorded during the reign of Alexander III (1249–1286).  The Bairds of Auchmedden in Aberdeenshire rose to prominence in the 16th century and became one of the most notable branches of the family.  Over time, the Baird surname spread across Scotland and into England.  Of course, some families emigrated further afield to North America and beyond.

Variations of the Surname Baird

The surname is most commonly found as Baird, but spelling variations include Bard, Baard, and Beard.  These differences often resulted from the inconsistent spelling of names in early records.

Clan Baird

Although the Baird family is not a traditional Highland clan, the Clan Baird Society Worldwide was formally established in 1972 with the blessing of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.  The Society recognises the historical Bairds of Auchmedden and Ordinhivas from the 15th to 17th centuries.  Today, the Society brings together Bairds worldwide and educates members about their shared heritage .

Baird Tartan

The Baird tartan was first recorded in Johnston’s 1906 work, with an early sample held by the Highland Society of London.  These early versions featured red stripes rather than purple, which is more common today.  

People with the surname Baird

Several individuals have carried the Baird surname.  Among them:

• John Logie Baird (1888–1946) was the Scottish engineer and inventor of the first working television system.  He transmitted the first television image in 1926 and demonstrated colour television in 1928.
• Sir David Baird, 1st Baronet (1757–1829) was a British Army officer who served in India and during the Napoleonic Wars. He led British forces at the capture of Seringapatam in 1799, where the Sultan of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, was defeated.
• James Baird (1802–1876) was a Scottish ironmaster and industrialist who co-founded the Bairds of Gartsherrie, one of Scotland’s largest ironworks in the 19th century. He was known for his charitable donations, including funding churches, schools, and hospitals across Scotland.

The Baird surname is not rare in Scotland, with descendants found in countries worldwide, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

If you are researching the Baird surname in a family history context, focus on records from the Lowlands and Aberdeenshire during earlier centuries. Alternatively get in touch with me for some advice.