Allestair History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Allestair

What does the name Allestair mean?

The Allestair family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Allestair is derived from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair "son of Alasdair," which correlates to the personal name Alexander.

Early Origins of the Allestair family

The surname Allestair was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where Alasdair Mòr was listed on record in 1253, as witnessing a charter by his brother, Aonghas Mór a Íle, to the Paisley Abbey.

Early History of the Allestair family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Allestair research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1645 and 1647 are included under the topic Early Allestair History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Allestair Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Allestair has been spelled MacAlister, MacAllister, MacAllaster, MacAllestair, MacAllester, MacAllister and many more.

Early Notables of the Allestair family

Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Allestair Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Allestair family to Ireland

Some of the Allestair family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 40 words (3 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 Allestair family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Allestair were among those contributors: Charles MacAlister settled in Philadelphia in 1808; Daniel, David, Denis, James, John, Robert, Thomas and William MacAlister all arrived in Philadelphia between 1830 and 1870..

The Allestair 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 and by land.