Mcallister
Primarily a boy's name of Scottish Gaelic origin with 70 recorded births. Also given to 11 girls.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Mcallister, you're looking at a name that fewer than 70 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The active, energetic ending gives Mcallister a stately quality that carries weight in formal contexts while staying approachable.
Mcallister is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Mcallister is a boy's and girl's baby name of Scottish Gaelic origin, from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, meaning 'son of Alasdair' — itself the Scottish form of Alexander, meaning 'defender of men.'
McAllister is a distinguished Scottish clan surname whose use as a given name follows the American tradition of honoring family heritage. It carries an air of Celtic nobility and ancestral pride.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Mcallister is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2003–2023). Its Scottish Gaelic roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 70 total births, Mcallister exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mcallister has 10+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2003.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 27 | #11015 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 14 | #10975 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 29 | #10482 | — |
The Story of Mcallister
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2006, Mcallister is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Mcallister are most likely born between 2003 and 2016.
How rare is Mcallister?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Mcallister is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2003, peaked in the 2000s with 29 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Mcallister by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 2003–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 | #10404 |
| 2022 | 9 | #8743 |
| 2021 | 5 | #13405 |
| 2020 | 6 | #11508 |
| 2016 | 9 | #8586 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13364 |
| 2008 | 6 | #12053 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6758 |
| 2005 | 5 | #12687 |
| 2003 | 6 | #10428 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Mcallister as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Mcallister has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 11 births since 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mcallister a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mcallister most popular?
How popular is the name Mcallister?
Can Mcallister be used for both boys and girls?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2003–2023