Rising since 1999, #2,145 for boys today.
Popularity of Alastair since 1922
Babies named Alastair per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 48 |
| 1980s | 145 |
| 1990s | 152 |
| 2000s | 230 |
| 2010s | 420 |
| 2020s | 336 |
Meaning & origin
Alastair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, long favored in Scotland but also used across the English-speaking world. In the United States, the name has been recorded since 1922 and remained relatively rare, though it has been rising steadily since 1999. Its peak popularity occurred in 2025, when it ranked 2,145 nationally, with a 1-in-25,494 birth rate. The name shows particular concentration in Oregon, New York, and Texas, reflecting both Scottish heritage and modern appeal. Alastair offers a strong, traditional alternative to Alexander, with a distinctively Scottish character.
Alastair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men.' The name has been used in Scotland since medieval times and remains a distinctive choice in English-speaking countries, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora communities.
Where Alastair is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Ally
Sibling names for Alastair
Names that share Alastair's style, for a brother or sister.
