Rising since 1987, #897 for boys today.
Popularity of Alistair since 1956
Babies named Alistair per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 96 |
| 1980s | 112 |
| 1990s | 190 |
| 2000s | 449 |
| 2010s | 1,722 |
| 2020s | 1,501 |
Meaning & origin
Alistair is the classic Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, a name with ancient Greek roots meaning 'defender of men'. First recorded in U.S. data in 1956, Alistair was relatively rare for decades but has seen a steady rise since 1987. In 2025, it ranked 897th, with a 1 in 6,446 birth frequency, reaching its peak popularity that same year. The name is most strongly associated with Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma, reflecting its appeal across different regions. Its trajectory suggests a modern revival of traditional Scottish names, appealing to parents seeking a distinguished yet underused alternative to Alexander itself.
Alistair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, which itself comes from the Greek Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men'. The name was historically common in Scotland and Ireland, introduced through the legacy of Alexander the Great and later borne by medieval Scottish kings. In modern times, it remains a classic Scottish choice, often spelled Alasdair or Alister.
Where Alistair is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alistair” around the world
Where Alistair lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ali, Al
Sibling names for Alistair
Names that share Alistair's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Isla, Fiona, Morag, Catriona, Eilidh, Adelia, Alethia, Delphia, Elowyn, Millicent, Pricilla, Rosamond, Sophronia, Alydia, Astoria, Belladonna, Carmilla, Celinda, Charlaine, Corinthia, Davena, Elspeth, Florentine, Gloriana, Gwendolen, Gwynevere, Jenetta, Marquerite, Princella, Sydelle, Wallis, Willamina, Adaira, Andrina, Araminta, Cristabel, Elnoria, Grisel, Malvina, Narcissa, Sybilla, Aliviana, Amabel, Athenia, Delvina, Elvenia, Endora, Evelean, Genevra, Hermenia, Loucinda, Milady, Orphia, Romilly
Brothers: Hamish, Ewan, Callum, Angus, Finlay, Amory, Baltazar, Caspian, Cedrick, Gordon, Graeme, Malcom, Mortimer, Chalmers, Dillinger, Emeric, Montague, Oriel, Algernon, Balthazar, Beaumont, Fitzroy, Forbes, Greig, Levander, Murdock, Augusten, Cederic, Dartanion, Etheridge, Lyell, Macdonald, Orlander, Peregrin, Sinjin, Slyvester
