Macallister is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "MacAllaster," which itself comes from the Gaelic name "Maoil Chaluim" or "Mál Choinnich." This name means "devotee of St. Columba" or "devotee of St. Kenneth."
The given name Macallister has a rich history, with its roots dating back to medieval Scotland. St. Columba, also known as Columbia or Columbus, was an Irish abbot and missionary who founded the monastery on Iona in the 6th century. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Scottish history, and many places in Scotland are named after him.
The name Macallister has been associated with several notable historical figures throughout history. One such figure is Alexander MacAllaster, a 14th-century Scottish knight who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Today, Macallister remains an uncommon yet captivating given name, often chosen by parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful for their child. It carries with it a sense of history and cultural significance, as well as a strong connection to Scotland's rich past.
"Macallister seems to have been quite popular as a baby name from the late '90s to early 2000s, with a peak of 17 births in 2008 and again in 2014. However, its popularity has since declined, with only 6-7 births per year from 2020 onwards."