Origins Available: Irish,
Scottish
This name comes from the given name Alexander, which was in turn originally derived from the Greek name, which means defender of men. In the late 11th century, Queen Margaret introduced the name into
Scotland by naming one of her sons Alexander; she had heard the name in the Hungarian Court where she was raised. From
Scotland, the name came to
Ireland, where MacAlasandair became the Irish form.
Early Origins of the Alisdair family
The surname Alisdair was first found in
Kintyre, where they held a
family seat from ancient times.
Early History of the Alisdair family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alisdair research.
Another 597 words (43 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1230, 1295, 1431, 1475, 1570, 1602, 1605, 1614, 1615, 1640, 1765, and 1846 are included under the topic Early Alisdair History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Alisdair Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Alexander, Alistair, MacAlexander, McAlexander, Alisandre, Alischoner, Alsinder, Alastair, MacAlexter, Callestar, Aleckander, Alexandri, Alisdair, Alaisder, Alestare, Alistare and many more.
Early Notables of the Alisdair family (pre 1700)
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Alisdair Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Alisdair family to Ireland
Some of the Alisdair family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 180 words (13 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Alisdair family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: 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 ".
The Alisdair Motto
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.