What does the surname Macalester mean?

The surname Macalester means "Son of Alister, a Gaelic form of Alexander.". It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

How common is the Macalester surname?

There are approximately 2,500 people with the surname Macalester in the United States.

Are there Macalester soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1 soldiers with the Macalester surname appear in Civil War records.

Macalester

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Alister, a Gaelic form of Alexander.

Etymology

The prefix 'Mac-' denotes 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic. Alister is a Gaelic variant of Alexander, ultimately derived from Greek 'alexandros' meaning 'defender of men.'

About the Macalester Surname

A Scottish patronymic surname indicating descent from someone named Alister. The name is associated with Scottish Highland clans and has historical roots in Argyll.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 2,500 bearers in the United States #2,566 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily Scotland with diaspora in North America.

Macalester Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Macalester Surname

Charles Macalester

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 16th century Scotland
Estimated Bearers: 2,500

War Records

1 soldiers with the Macalester surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →