Recorded in a wide variety of spellings including MacAlester, MacAlister, MacAllaster, Mac Allister, MacCallister, MacCalester, MacCallaster, MacCalister, MacCalister, the short forms begining with 'Mc', and others such as Alastair and Callister, this is a Scottish surname. However its true origins are arguably Greek. It derives from the personal name 'Alexander', a name which is not recorded in Britain before the 11th century, when it was introduced by Crusaders (Knights Templar), returning from the Holy Land.
The derivations are from 'Alexandros', meaning 'defender of men', from the elements 'Alexein', to defend, and 'aner', a man. Know where in Europe outside its homeland, is the name so thoroughly national as in Scotland. It has been claimed that it was first introduced by Queen Margaret, wife of King Malcolm Canmore (1057-1093), although this is unlikely. Early examples of recordings include Alexander Makalester in the registers of the Black Isle in the year 1500, whilst John Makalester had a 'precept of remission' in 1542. Angus McAlester was a follower of Murdow McCloyd who 'lead an attack on the galley of the laird of Balcomie' in 1601, whilst Ferquar MacAllister is recorded in Dunzean Croy in 1603. In London, Lydia, the daughter of Oliver and Lydia McAllester, was christened on February 16th 1746, at St. Annes Church, Westminster. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ranald Makalestyr, which was dated 1455, in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland. This was also during the reign of King James 11nd, of Scotland, 1437 - 1460. Throughout the centuries surnames in every country have continued to "develop", often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Discovering the historical roots of callister is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of callister leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of callister.
Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname callister. There is a considerable probability that callister has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where callister is most abundant are the following.
The historical chronicle of callister is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named callister are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname callister.
We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname callister, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of callister could be modified.
It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished callisters throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname callister, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname callister, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname callister who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of callister. The bibliography collects information related to the surname callister, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of callister.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of callister, and at the same time, of surnames in general.