John Frederick Adolphus McNair

John Frederick Adolphus McNair CMG RA AMICE FLS FRGS (23 October 1828 – 17 May 1910) was a British Indian and colonial official.

He was an engineer, superintendent of convicts, manager of public works and a member of the commission for the pacification of Larut following the signing of a peace treaty, in 1874.

He was appointed Colonial Engineer and through his efforts, the building of the water works which had been plagued with failures, was successfully completed.

In 1874, though not a commissioner himself, he was involved with the Commission for the Pacification of Larut in Perak comprising then Captain Samuel Dunlop, F. A. Swettenham, Chung Keng Quee and Chin Seng Yam.

Sir Andrew Clarke started the title "Empress of India," and asked Major McNair to translate this.

Of the several versions he provided, "Kaisar-i-Hind" was selected and officially used for the first time in Sir Andrew's proclamation, which was at once sent home to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Earl of Carnavon.