MCALLISTER
Also recorded as M'Callister, M'callister, Mc Allister, Mcallister
McAllister
McAllister is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin. The name is derived from the Old Gaelic name "Mac Alasdair", meaning "son of Alasdair". The Gaelic personal name "Alasdair" is equivalent to the English name "Alexander", which means "defender of the people".
Origins
The McAllister family is believed to have originated from Scotland and Ireland. The name is commonly found in areas with a strong Celtic heritage, such as the Scottish Highlands and the west of Ireland.
History
The history of the McAllister surname dates back centuries, with the first recorded instances of the name appearing in ancient Scottish and Irish records. The McAllister clan is said to have been a prominent family in the region, with members playing significant roles in local politics, warfare, and trade.
Distribution
Today, individuals with the surname McAllister can be found not only in Scotland and Ireland but also in countries worldwide, particularly in regions with significant Scottish and Irish diaspora populations, such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
- John McAllister: A renowned Scottish poet known for his works celebrating the beauty of the Highlands.
- Eileen McAllister: An Irish artist whose landscapes have gained international acclaim.
- Richard McAllister: A British historian specialising in Celtic mythology and folklore.
Variants
Variants of the McAllister surname include MacAllister, McAlister, and MacAlasdair.
In conclusion, the McAllister surname carries with it a rich history of Scottish and Irish heritage, with its bearers making significant contributions to various fields over the centuries.
There are approximately 11,130 people named McAllister in the UK. That makes it the 826th most common surname in Britain. Around 171 in a million people in Britain are named McAllister.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Ann
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.