Surname MacAlisters - Meaning and Origin
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MacAlisters: What does the surname MacAlisters mean?
The last name MacAlisters is a Scottish name, derived from a clan in the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It's a sept of the Clan MacDougall, and is associated most closely with the regions of Cowal, Bute and Cantyre.
The MacAlisters derive their name from the Gaelic 'Mac Alastair', which translates to 'son of Alasdair'. Alasdair is a name of Celtic origin, derived from the Greek ‘Alexandros’, meaning ‘defender of mankind’ or ‘helper’. In Scotland, 'Mac' denotes 'son of'. Thus, the MacAlisters are the sons or descendants of Alasdair.
The MacAlisters have a history of being loyal and faithful to their clan and to Scotland. They were amongst the first to enter the fray against England during the Wars of Independence. Subsequently, the MacAlisters were amongst the most active and well respected of the clans who supported Robert the Bruce in his wars against the English.
Even today, MacAlisters are proud of their heritage and their loyalty to their Scottish roots. They continue to participate in clan gatherings, honoring their history and carrying their traditions forward.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAlisters: Where does the name MacAlisters come from?
The last name MacAlisters has its roots in the Scottish Highlands. The clan, which dates back to the early 13th century, was most prevalent in northern Scotland, particularly on the Isle of Skye. The MacAlisters were a sept of the Macdonald and MacDonald clans, and their territory once extended from Kintyre to Wester Ross.
The MacAlisters can be found in various countries around the world today, including in Great Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In Great Britain, the highest concentrations of MacAlisters are in Northern Ireland, the Orkney Islands, and the Outer Hebrides. The surname is also well represented in Scotland, particularly in Argyll, the Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire, and the region around Loch Awe.
In the US, the largest populations of MacAlisters are in California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
In Canada, the name is most commonly found in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Ontario. In Australia, MacAlisters are found mostly in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania, while in New Zealand they have the highest concentration in the North Island.
Generally, wherever a Scottish diaspora has settled, there is a chance that the last name MacAlisters can be found.
Variations of the surname MacAlisters
The surname MacAlister or MacAlastair is found throughout the world. It is derived from the Gaelic MacCalastair, which is a patronymic of the given name of Calasdair, meaning "follower of Saint Columba." This patronymic form of naming was popular in Scotland and Ireland in the 17th century.
Variant spellings of the surname include Mac Alister, MacAllister, MacAllastair, MacAlestar, McAllister, and McAllistair. MacAlastair is also sometimes spelled as MacAlaster, MacCalaster, MacCalastair, MacKalastair, Makalastair, and Makcalastair.
Surnames of the same origin include MacCalaster, MacCalastair, MacElaster, MacKelestar, MacKelester, MacKilaster, McKayaster, McElaster, and McKelester.
MacAlisters can also be found in many anglicised forms such as Alister, Allison, Allister, Alyson, Calister, Elister, Eloyson, Ellison, Elliston, Kallister, Kalston, Kelson, and Kilsten.
The various spellings of the surname MacAlister have been used for centuries with very different branches of the same family and have been found to appear in various countries like Ireland, Scotland, and the United Kingdom. Although some of the variants have become obsolete, the surname continues to be used and is quite common.
Famous people with the name MacAlisters
- Reichen Lehmkuhl, an American actor, former reality television personality, and model.
- William Macalister, an Australian politician from the state of Victoria.
- Bob MacAlister, an American baseball player.
- Alexander MacAlister, an Irish United Empire Loyalist and army officer.
- Wilfrid Macalister, a Canadian physician and politician.
- Charles Macalister, a British politician.
- Matthew Macalister, an American financier, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
- Neil MacAlister, a Scottish landscape painter.
- Russ MacAlister, an American professional wrestler and actor.
- Catriona MacAlister, a Scottish actress and singer.