This name of ADARES was originally a Scottish surname prominent in Ulster where it was taken by settlers. The tradition of the foundation of the family of Adair, originating from a fugitive son of Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond of Adair in Ireland, taking as his surname his fathers estate seems too hypothetical for belief. It is however, a fact that this Thomas Odeir had a charter of the lands of Kildonan in the Rynes of Galloway from Robert 1.(1274-1329). John Adair had a commission for a survey of Scotland in the year 1681. The name is also occasionally an anglicized form of the name O'Daire. Ireland was one of the earliest countries to evolve a system of hereditary surnames. They came into being fairly generally in the 11th century, and indeed a few were formed before the year 1000.

At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. The bulk of European surnames in countries such as England and France were formed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The process started earlier and continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the 11th century people did not have surnames, whereas by the 15th century they did.

The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.