Rising since 2004, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Alaster since 1998
Babies named Alaster per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 49 |
| 2020s | 62 |
Meaning & origin
Alaster is a Scottish variant of Alastair, the Gaelic form of Alexander. Its meaning, 'defender of men', ties it to a long tradition of strong, classic names. In the United States, Alaster first appeared on record in 1998 and has been gradually rising in use, with a peak rank of 6,446 in 2025. The name shows a consistent upward trend since 2004, indicating growing interest among parents looking for a distinctive yet traditional Scottish name. While it has not yet cracked the top 5,000, its rarity and melodic sound make it an appealing choice for those seeking something uncommon. No U.S. state reports it as a top name, reflecting its niche appeal. Alaster offers the familiar nicknames Al and Ally, balancing uniqueness with approachability.
Alaster is a Scottish variant of Alastair, itself the Gaelic form of Alexander. The name Alexander comes from the Greek Alexandros, derived from alexein 'to defend' and aner 'man', thus 'defender of men'. Alaster has been used in Scotland for centuries, though it remains less common than Alastair. Its modern usage in the United States has been recorded only since 1998.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Ally
Sibling names for Alaster
Names that share Alaster's style, for a brother or sister.
