What is the origin of the last name Mcallister?

The surname McAllister is of Scottish origin and signifies the "son of Alasdair," with the Gaelic form being Mac Alasdair. This patronymic name derives from the given name "Alasdair," which is the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of the English name "Alexander." In this context, "Mac" means "son of," indicating the family's ancestral connection to someone named Alasdair or Alexander. The name McAllister has a rich history within Scottish genealogy, and its meaning reflects the tradition of using patronymic surnames to identify kinship ties in Gaelic society.

Countries of origin for the last name Mcallister

The last name McAllister originates from Scotland and Ireland, and it is classified as a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the given name of a male ancestor. The name McAllister is believed to have evolved from the Gaelic name “Mac Alasdair,” which translates to “son of Alasdair” or “son of Alexander.”

The popularity of the name McAllister can be attributed to the historical prominence and widespread usage of the name Alexander, which has been a common given name in Scotland and Ireland for centuries. The name Alexander itself has ancient roots, deriving from the Greek name “Alexandros,” meaning “defender of men.”

Throughout history, the McAllister name has been documented in various forms, including McAlister, MacAllister, MacAlastair, and many others. Different spellings can be attributed to variations in pronunciation, regional accents, and anglicization over time.

Individuals bearing the McAllister surname can be found in both Scotland and Ireland, with notable concentrations in the Western Isles of Scotland and the counties of Antrim, Down, and Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Many McAllisters emigrated from these areas and settled in other parts of the world, particularly North America.

Across the United States, the surname McAllister is most commonly found in states such as New York, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. As with many Irish and Scottish surnames, the influx of immigrants to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to the spread of the name throughout the country.

The McAllister name carries with it a sense of heritage and identity, connecting individuals to their Scottish and Irish roots. It represents a historical lineage that has been passed down through generations, symbolizing familial ties, tradition, and a connection to the homeland.

While the exact meaning of the surname McAllister is tied to its Gaelic origins, it is important to recognize that names can hold different personal meanings for individuals and can also evolve over time. As with any surname, exploring one’s genealogy and family history can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the specific individuals and stories associated with the name McAllister.

Interesting facts about the last name Mcallister

  • The surname McAllister is of Scottish origin.
  • The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, which means “son of Alasdair”.
  • Alasdair is the Scottish form of the name Alexander.
  • The McAllister clan is believed to have originated in the region of Argyll, in western Scotland.
  • Many McAllisters emigrated from Scotland to other parts of the world, particularly to North America and Australia.
  • The surname McAllister is relatively common in Scotland and can be found in various spellings, including MacAlister, McAlister, and McAllister.
  • McAllister is ranked as the 1351st most common surname in the United States.
  • Notable individuals with the surname McAllister include athletes, politicians, and actors.
  • The McAllister tartan, a distinctive plaid pattern, is associated with the clan and can be worn by members to show their heritage.
  • The McAllister motto is “Fortis et Fidus,” which translates to “Brave and Trusty”.

Name Rank

#1197

There are around 29544 people with the last name Mcallister in the US

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