McAllister is a surname from Scotland, with traditional linkage to the Kintyre peninsula, in the West of Scotland. The clan is the earliest branch to have split off from Clan Donald, claiming descent from Alasdair Mòr, son of Domhnall founder of Clan Donald.
Alasdair is the Gaelic form of the first name Alexander, so McAllister is the Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Alasdair or son of Alasdair.
The main branch was at one time the MacAlasdairs of Loup (the chief's family). McAllisters later spread to Ayrshire and Northern Ireland.
Glenbarr Abbey and the MacAlister Clan Visitors Centre is situated on the Kintyre peninsula, in the West of Scotland.