Surname MacLeister - Meaning and Origin

MacLeister: What does the surname MacLeister mean?

The last name MacLeister is an Scottish name of Gaelic origin. The name roughly translates to "son of bishop”, with the primary root being Leath (or Leathan) meaning "side" or "tribe" and the suffix ceannaire which translates to "head or chief". This was likely adopted in recognition of a person within the family who held a important position of stature and authority.

The widely accepted explanation is that their ancestor was a member of the church, such as a priest or bishop. It is believed that because the Church had so much authority in medieval Scotland, a man of god could be a source of protection and in some cases, forming new clans. This likely was the case for the MacLeister family.

The MacLeister last name likely originated sometime during the early 15th century when surnames first began to become more commonplace among citizens. The name likely flourished and spread throughout Scotland, mainly in the central and western regions throughout its history. As a result, today MacLeister is a very common Scottish last name. The family boasts a proud and spirited history, with numerous members of the MacLeister clan playing integral roles in the political, social and religious aspects of Scotland's past.

MacLeister: Where does the name MacLeister come from?

The last name MacLeister is most common in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it is still a rare name.

MacLeister is an old Scottish clan name which means “son of the physician”. The name is derived from the Gaelic words “mac”, meaning “son”, and “leister”, meaning “physician”. The common spelling is MacLeister, but variants also exist, such as McLeister.

In the United States, modern-day MacLeister can be found primarily in the Upper Midwest and Appalachian regions. The highest density of MacLeister families can be found in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

Although the name is rare in Scotland, MacLeister families migrated to Canada during the 19th century and settled in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces. Today, the largest population of MacLeister families in Canada can be found in Ottawa and Toronto.

The last name MacLeister continues to be passed down from generation to generation, making it a unique part of family history and tradition for those with the name. It is an especially meaningful name to those who have Scottish or Canadian heritage.

Other surnames

Macleish