name
Uncommon
Sinclair
sihng-KLEH-uh
Sinclair (name) means a Scottish surname, originally the name of a clan, now also used as a given name. Example: “The Sinclair family owned the castle for centuries.”
name
1
A Scottish surname, originally the name of a clan, now also used as a given name.
"On a merchant ship, Father Sinclair had to do safety drills every 10 days. On a fishing vessel, it’s monthly, and there is no requirement to check the log to see if the drill has been done or done correctly."
— Rose George, ‘I knew in my head we were dying’: the last voyage of the Scandies Rose (2025)
"The Sinclair family owned the castle for centuries."
How to use Sinclair
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Scottish surname and occasional first name.
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The _____ family owned the castle for centuries.
Etymology
Traditionally traced to Saint Clare, honoured by churches associated with the clan.
Rhymes for Sinclair
See all rhymes for Sinclair →Frequently asked questions
What does “Sinclair” mean?
The word “Sinclair” means a Scottish surname, originally the name of a clan, now also used as a given name. In plain terms, a Scottish surname and occasional first name.
How do you pronounce “Sinclair”?
“Sinclair” is pronounced sihng-KLEH-uh (/sɪŋˈklɛəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Sinclair” in a sentence?
Here is “Sinclair” used in a sentence: “The Sinclair family owned the castle for centuries.”
What part of speech is “Sinclair”?
“Sinclair” is a name.
Is “Sinclair” a common word?
“Sinclair” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is Sinclair a first name or a surname?
Sinclair is originally a Scottish surname, tied to a historic clan name. In more recent use it has also become a given name for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the surname Sinclair?
Sinclair traces back to Scotland, where it began as the name of a Scottish clan before becoming a common family surname.
