Alexander History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

On the western coast of Scotland and on the Hebrides islands the Alexander family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the given name Alexander, which in turn was originally derived from the Greek name, which means defender of men. In the late 11th century, Queen Margaret introduced the name, which she had heard in the Hungarian Court where she was raised, into Scotland by naming one of her sons Alexander. The popularity of the name Alexander was ensured by the fact that it was born by three Scottish kings, the first being Margaret’s son who succeeded to the throne of Scotlandfollowing the death of Malcolm III.

Early Origins of the Alexander family

The surname Alexander was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

“As a surname Alexander is very common on the west coast, where, according to the authors of Clan Donald, some of the descendants of Godfrey, second son of Alastair Mor, appear to have settled in the Carrick district of Ayrshire. ” [1]

The Clan MacAllistair, Alisdair being the Gaelic for Alexander, are descended from the great King Somerled. Somerled had five sons, by his marriage to Ragnhildis, daughter of the Norwegian King of the Isles, Olaf Morsel. In the MacAllister line, Ranald had two sons, Ruari and Donald, and Donald had two sons, Angus and Alisdair. Alisdair living about 1230 to 1295 claimed the territory in South Knapdale, Kintyre, the ancient Clan seat was at Ard Phadraid (Patrick’s Point) on the south side of Loch Tarbot. Alisdair (known as Alisdair Mor (the big)) is the recognized founder of the Clan. On his death, his estates were given to his brother and heir who was one of Bruce’s supporters, Angus Mor.

Early History of the Alexander family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alexander research. Another 462 words (33 lines of text) covering the years 1230, 1295, 1475, 1602, 1200, 1605, 1615, 1765, 1846, 1431, 1570, 1640, 1614, 1588, 1655, 1640, 1643, 1619, 1681, 1665, 1681, 1620, 1665, 1660, 1665, 1653, 1686, 1743, 1797 and are included under the topic Early Alexander History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Alexander Spelling Variations

In various documents Alexander has been spelled Since medieval scribes still spelled according to sound, records from that era contain an enormous number of spelling variations. Alexander, Alistair, MacAlexander, Alisandre, Alischoner, Alsinder, Alastair, MacAlexter, Callestar, Aleckander, Alexandri, Alisdair, Alaisder, Alestare, Alistare and many more.

Early Notables of the Alexander family (pre 1700)

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Sir William Alexander (circa 1570-1640), 1st Earl of Stirling, Scottish government official, knighted in 1614, appointed Governor of the barony of Nova Scotia; William Allestry (Allestrie) (1588-1655), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons of England (1640-1643)… 
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Alexander Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Alexander World Ranking

In the United States, the name Alexander is the 96^th most popular surname with an estimated 211,395 people with that name. [2] However, in Canada, the name Alexander is ranked the 253^rdmost popular surname with an estimated 16,198 people with that name. [3] And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Alexander is the 346^th popular surname with an estimated 135 people with that name. [4] Australia ranks Alexander as 179^th with 17,828 people. [5] New Zealand ranks Alexander as 140^th with 3,470 people. [6] The United Kingdom ranks Alexander as 234^th with 24,988 people. [7] South Africa ranks Alexander as 344^th with 19,919 people. [8]

 Migration of the Alexander family to Ireland

Some of the Alexander family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 153 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

 Alexander migration to the United States +

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Alexander or a variant listed above: 

Alexander Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Mr. Alexander, who landed in Virginia in 1635 [9]
• Mr. Alexander, who arrived in Virginia in 1637 [9]
• Patrick Alexander, who landed in Virginia in 1638 [9]
• John Alexander Sr., who landed in Massachusetts in 1640 [9]
• Mr. Alexander, who landed in Virginia in 1640 [9]