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.