Declining since 2020, #2,941 for boys today.
Popularity of Aleister since 1997
Babies named Aleister per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 81 |
| 2010s | 282 |
| 2020s | 284 |
Meaning & origin
Aleister is a rare Scottish name that entered U.S. records in 1997. Its use has been modest but steady, with a peak in popularity in 2020. Since then, the name has been on a slight decline, though it remains a distinctive choice. The name is most frequently given in California and Texas. Aleister remains an uncommon alternative to the more familiar Alistair or Alister, appealing to parents seeking a name with a literary or occult resonance without the weight of its historical associations.
Aleister is a Scottish variant of Alister, which itself derives from Alasdair, the Gaelic form of Alexander. The name Alexander comes from the Greek Alexandros, meaning 'defending men.' The spelling Aleister was notably used by the occultist Aleister Crowley (born Edward Alexander Crowley), who adopted it in the late 19th century as a distinctive variant.
Where Aleister is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Aly
Sibling names for Aleister
Names that share Aleister's style, for a brother or sister.
