| ![Show Contents]() McAlexander History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The sea-swept Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland, made up the ancient Dalriadan kingdom, the ancestral home of the McAlexander family. Their name comes from the given name Alexander, which in turn was originally derived from the Greek name, which means defender of men. In the late 11th century, Queen Margaret introduced the name, which she had heard in the Hungarian Court where she was raised, into Scotland by naming one of her sons Alexander. The popularity of the name Alexander was ensured by the fact that it was born by three Scottish kings, the first being Margaret's son who succeeded to the throne of Scotland following the death of Malcolm III. Early Origins of the McAlexander familyThe surname McAlexander was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from ancient times. "As a surname Alexander is very common on the west coast, where, according to the authors of Clan Donald, some of the descendants of Godfrey, second son of Alastair Mor, appear to have settled in the Carrick district of Ayrshire. " 1 The Clan MacAllistair, Alisdair being the Gaelic for Alexander, are descended from the great King Somerled. Somerled had five sons, by his marriage to Ragnhildis, daughter of the Norwegian King of the Isles, Olaf Morsel. In the MacAllister line, Ranald had two sons, Ruari and Donald, and Donald had two sons, Angus and Alisdair. Alisdair living about 1230 to 1295 claimed the territory in South Knapdale, Kintyre, the ancient Clan seat was at Ard Phadraid (Patrick's Point) on the south side of Loch Tarbot. Alisdair (known as Alisdair Mor (the big)) is the recognized founder of the Clan. On his death, his estates were given to his brother and heir who was one of Bruce's supporters, Angus Mor. Early History of the McAlexander familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our McAlexander research. Another 462 words (33 lines of text) covering the years 1120, 1200, 1204, 1220, 1230, 1245, 1295, 1431, 1475, 1570, 1588, 1602, 1605, 1614, 1615, 1619, 1620, 1640, 1643, 1652, 1653, 1655, 1660, 1664, 1665, 1667, 1681, 1686, 1743, 1765, 1797, 1846 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McAlexander History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McAlexander Spelling VariationsMany spelling variations of McAlexander have been recorded over the years, including These are the result of the medieval practice of spelling according to sound and repeated translation between Gaelic and English. Alexander, Alistair, MacAlexander, Alisandre, Alischoner, Alsinder, Alastair, MacAlexter, Callestar, Aleckander, Alexandri, Alisdair, Alaisder, Alestare, Alistare and many more. Early Notables of the McAlexander familyNotable amongst the Clan from early times was Sir William Alexander (circa 1570-1640), 1st Earl of Stirling, Scottish government official, knighted in 1614, appointed Governor of the barony of Nova Scotia; William Allestry (Allestrie) (1588-1655), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons of England (1640-1643)...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McAlexander Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McAlexander RankingIn the United States, the name McAlexander is the 13,989th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2  Migration of the McAlexander family to Ireland
Some of the McAlexander family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 153 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| McAlexander migration to the United States | + |
Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the McAlexander family emigrate to North America:
McAlexander Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- E. K. Edgar McAlexander, aged 32, who immigrated to the United States, in 1924
| Contemporary Notables of the name McAlexander (post 1700) | + |
- Jim McAlexander, American Professor of Marketing at Oregon State University
- Major General Ulysses Grant McAlexander (1864-1936), American Army officer known as the "Rock of the Marne"
- Dr. William W. McAlexander, General Surgeon, Arkansas
- Ed McAlexander, American Managing Director at MRA Search, Altanta
- G. O. McAlexander, American politician, Member of Virginia State Senate 26th District, 1908-11 3
- E. A. McAlexander, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for Kansas State Senate 24th District, 2000 3
- Robert McAlexander (b. 1952), professional Australian rules footballer
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Per mare, per terras
Motto Translation: By sea, by land.
|
McAlexander migration to the United States 
Ireland
Scotland
England
