Show ContentsMacAllear 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 MacAllear family. Their name comes from 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 MacAllear family

The surname MacAllear 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 MacAllear family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAllear 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 MacAllear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAllear Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of MacAllear 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. MacClure, MacLure, MacCloor, McLeur, McCloor and others.

Early Notables of the MacAllear family

Notable 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 MacAllear Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the MacAllear family to Ireland

Some of the MacAllear 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.

Migration of the MacAllear family

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 MacAllear family emigrate to North America: Agnes, Alexander, Andrew, George, James, Jane, John, Richard, Robert, Samuel and William MacClure, who all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1860.



The MacAllear 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: Spectemur agendo
Motto Translation: Let us be judged by our actions.


  1. 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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