Clair (surname)

Clair is a surname of English and French origin.

Clair, originally spelt Clare, originated from the town of Clare in Suffolk, England. The surname, originally styled de Clare, was first held by Richard fitz Gilbert, 1st Lord of Clare (known as Richard de Clare) following the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century AD.

Clair is also a French surname derived from the Middle French and Old French cler literally meaning "clear" and "bright" which itself is derived from the Latin clārus of the same meaning.

Notable people with the surname Clair

 * Clair (Hampshire cricketer), English cricketer
 * Benoît Clair (born 1953), French journalist and writer
 * Cyrielle Clair (born 1955), French actress
 * Daphne Clair (born 1939), New Zealand writer
 * Fraser Clair (born 1981), Canadian ice hockey player
 * Gene Clair (1940–2013), American sound engineer
 * Jany Clair (born 1938), French actress
 * Jean Clair (born 1940), French writer
 * Joe Clair, American stand-up comedian
 * Julia Clair (born 1994), French ski jumper
 * Maxine Clair (born 1939), American novelist
 * Michel Clair (born 1950), Canadian politician
 * René Clair (1898–1981), French film director and writer
 * Sandie Clair (born 1988), French cyclist
 * Serge Clair (born 1940), Mauritian politician