First found in Kintyre, where they were seated from ancient times.

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Kalister or a variant listed above: Sir William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, who colonized Nova Scotia, in Antigonish, Pictou, the Carolinas, Virginia and Upper Canada. Richard H. Alexander, traveled from Ontario in a group called the "Overlanders" in 1862 and became one of Vancouver's most prominent businessmen and civic officials..

Motto Translated: By sea, by land.

For more information on the last name Kalister, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.