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Macalister

♂ Boy

Pronounced muh-KAL-is-ter /məˈkæl.ɪ.stər/Medium

Meaning: Macalister is a Scottish surname, from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, 'son of Alexander' (Alexander itself meaning 'defender of the people'). Carried into given-name use, it reads as a heritage surname-name; we note the Scottish route.Medium

In 30 seconds: A clan surname-name: Macalister means 'son of Alexander' (said 'muh-KAL-is-ter'). A Scottish heritage pick, which we note.

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Origin MediumScottish

MeaningMacalister is a Scottish surname, from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, 'son of Alexander' (Alexander itself meaning 'defender of the people'). Carried into given-name use, it reads as a heritage surname-name; we note the Scottish route.

U.S. rank (2024)#11779 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 96

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a boy's name, Macalister is a Scottish clan surname from Mac Alasdair, 'son of Alexander.' Sturdy and storied, it reads as a heritage surname-name; we note the Scottish route (said 'muh-KAL-is-ter').

In the U.S. it appears rarely as a first name. Rare, clan-rooted, and heritage-rich.

Did you know? Macalister comes from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, 'son of Alexander' — the name of a Scottish Highland clan, carried into first-name use, which we note (said 'muh-KAL-is-ter').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Macalister — Scottish Mac Alasdair, 'son of Alexander'

Variations

MacallisterMcAllisterMacAlister

Nicknames

MacAli

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Macalister…

Macallister— a like spelling of the same surname

Alistair— the Scottish Alexander inside it

Macauley— a like Mac- clan surname-name

Mackenzie— a like Scottish Mac- pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Macalister mean?

Macalister is a Scottish surname from Mac Alasdair, 'son of Alexander,' which we note.

How do you pronounce Macalister?

It's said muh-KAL-is-ter /məˈkæl.ɪ.stər/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Macalister a boy or girl name?

Here Macalister is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Macalister?

Macalister is a rare name for boys in the U.S. as a first name.