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![Show Contents]() Alasdair History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland
On the Scottish west coast, the Alasdair family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair "son of Alasdair," which correlates to the personal name Alexander. Early Origins of the Alasdair familyThe surname Alasdair was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where Alasdair Mòr was listed on record in 1253, as witnessing a charter by his brother, Aonghas Mór a Íle, to the Paisley Abbey. Early History of the Alasdair familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alasdair research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1645 and 1647 are included under the topic Early Alasdair History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Alasdair Spelling VariationsIn the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Alasdair has appeared as MacAlister, MacAllister, MacAllaster, MacAllestair, MacAllester, MacAllister and many more. Early Notables of the Alasdair familyAnother 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Alasdair Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Alasdair family to Ireland
Some of the Alasdair family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 40 words (3 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 Alasdair familyThese settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The Alasdair were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Charles MacAlister settled in Philadelphia in 1808; Daniel, David, Denis, James, John, Robert, Thomas and William MacAlister all arrived in Philadelphia between 1830 and 1870..
| Contemporary Notables of the name Alasdair (post 1700) | + |
- Duncan Alasdair Lunan (b. 1945), Scottish author
- Kenneth Alasdair MacKinnon, Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute from 2002 to 2011
- Alasdair Mackie "Algy" Ward (1959-2023), English punk rock and heavy metal bass guitarist and singer
- Mr. Alasdair George Hay C.B.E., Q.F.S.M., British recipient of Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 17th June 2017, for services to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- Dr. Alasdair Buchanan Gillies M.B.E., British Trustee for Scottish Showbusiness Benevolent Fund and Chairman for Gaelic Language Promotion Trust, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire on 8th June 2018, for services to Music, to the Gaelic Language and to charity 1
- Alasdair Chalmers MacIntyre (b. 1929), Scottish philosopher, known for his contribution to moral and political philosophy
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair McKay Sinclair Steedman GCB, CBE, DFC (1922-1992), British senior commander in the Royal Air Force
- Alasdair Ian Fenton Urquhart (b. 1945), Scottish emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto
- Alasdair David Gordon Milne (1930-2013), Director-General of the BBC between July 1982 and 1987
- Alasdair John Milbank (b. 1952), English Christian theologian, Professor of Religion, Politics and Ethics at the University of Nottingham
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: Per mare per terras
Motto Translation: By sea and by land.
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