Origin & Meaning of the Mcalister Surname
What does the last name Mcalister mean?
The surname Mcalister carries the meaning "Son of Mcalister." It is derived from the Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,665 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcalister ranks as the #3,078 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcalister come from?
The Mcalister surname has its roots in Irish/Scottish heritage. Names of Irish/Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Mcalister name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcalister trace back to Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Mcalister |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcalister |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,078 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,665 |
| Per 100K People | 3.95 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcalister
According to the US Census, the Mcalister surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,665 Americans with the Mcalister last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.11% |
| Black | 11.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.32% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.9% |
Popularity of Mcalister Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcalister surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcalister surname increased by 232 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mcalister
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcalister.
Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish/Scottish origin as Mcalister.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcalister
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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