MacAllister

MacAllister is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic patronymic "Mac Alasdair," meaning "son of Alexander." The name first appears in medieval Scottish records, reflecting the widespread adoption of the Alexander-based naming convention in the Highlands and Islands. It has variations such as McAllister, MacAlister, and MacAlasdair, with the prefix "Mac" consistently indicating "son of" in Gaelic nomenclature.

The MacAllister clan is historically linked to the broader Clan Campbell family, with roots in the Kintyre peninsula and the Isle of Gigha. Genealogical studies suggest that the MacAllisters were involved in local raiding and maritime trade during the late Middle Ages, and some clansmen served as kirksmen and sea captains. By the 17th century, members of the name had relocated to the Lowlands and mainland Scotland, where they participated in the Scottish Civil War and later joined the colonial migration to North America.

Today, the surname is most frequently found in Scotland, Ireland, and the former British colonies, particularly Canada, the United States, and Australia. Census data from the 19th and 20th centuries record significant growth in these populations, with many bearers retaining ties to their Scottish heritage.

Notable individuals bearing the MacAllister name include the Scottish historian James MacAllister (1901–1975), the Australian rugby player Andrew MacAllister (born 1983), and the British neuroscientist Dr. Fiona MacAllister (born 1958), known for her work on synaptic plasticity. The surname also appears in fiction; MacAllister is a recurring character name in several modern fantasy novels.

For further detail, see the contemporaneous surname McAllister and related Gaelic naming conventions.