Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Mcalister

      Origin

      English/scottish

      Meaning

      Son of the Noble One

      Variations

      Macalister, Mcallister, Callister
      The surname McAlister derives from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, which translates to Son of Alasdair. Alasdair itself is the Gaelic form of the name Alexander, which has roots in the Greek name Alexandros, meaning defender of men. As such, McAlister can be understood to signify Son of the Noble One, reflecting a lineage linked to nobility and valor.

      The McAlister surname has deep historical roots in both Scotland and Ireland. Its earliest recognitions can be traced back to the clan systems of the Scottish Highlands. The McAlisters, associated with the broader clan system, were known to be prominent figures in their respective regions, particularly in Argyll and the Western Isles. Over the centuries, members of the McAlister family were involved in various historical events, including battles and the political landscape of Scotland, cementing their legacy within Scottish history.

      In contemporary society, the McAlister surname continues to be prevalent, primarily in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. As a notable surname, it is often recognized in various fields including academia, business, and the arts. Today, individuals with this surname carry forward its rich heritage, and the name is frequently celebrated in cultural references and community gatherings, maintaining its significance in the modern world.

      Based on our records...

      Cuthbertson

      Cuthbertson

      This is the most common surname associated with Mcalister.
      Julia

      Julia

      This is the most common name of those married to a Mcalister.
      Connie

      Connie

      This is the most common name for a child of a Mcalister.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1888 is when there were the most people born with the first name Mcalister.

      Explore the origins of another name.