| ![Show Contents]() MacAlear History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name MacAlear is the Gaelic word Mac-Giolla-Uidhir, which literally means son of the pale youth or son of Odhar's servant. 1 Early Origins of the MacAlear familyThe surname MacAlear was first found in Ayrshire and Galloway, where John McLur and Robert McLure were first listed as followers of the Earl of Casilis in 1526. A few years later in 1532, Tomas Maklure was sergeant of Assize in Carrick. Interestingly, the earliest evidence of a Clan piper was Robert MacLure who was piper to the chief of the Buchanans in 1600. 1 Early History of the MacAlear familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAlear research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1660, 1720, 1723, 1729, 1807, 1857, 1873 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacAlear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacAlear Spelling VariationsThe translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years MacAlear has appeared as MacClure, MacLure, MacCloor, McLeur, McCloor and others. Early Notables of the MacAlear familyNotable amongst the Clan from early times was J. Cluer, an engraver and publisher of music, who carried on business in Bow Churchyard, London, in the middle of the first...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacAlear Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the MacAlear family to Ireland
Some of the MacAlear family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 139 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| MacAlear migration to the United States | + |
Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The MacAlear were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown:
MacAlear Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- James MacAlear, who settled in Philadelphia in 1866
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: Spectemur agendo
Motto Translation: Let us be judged by our actions.
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
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MacAlear migration to the United States 
