Declining since 2021, #2,991 for boys today.
Popularity of Allister since 1925
Babies named Allister per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 21 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 77 |
| 1980s | 75 |
| 1990s | 101 |
| 2000s | 169 |
| 2010s | 447 |
| 2020s | 355 |
Meaning & origin
Allister is a name with a distinct Scottish flavor, often recognized as a variant of Alistair or Alasdair. Though used for nearly a century in the U.S. with its first recorded appearance in 1925, it has never cracked the top 1,000. Its peak year to date was 2022, but since 2021 the name has been on a downward trajectory. Currently, about 1 in 41,660 baby boys are named Allister, placing it at rank 2,991 for 2025. Despite its relative rarity, the name carries an air of classic Scottish heritage. Parents who favor traditional yet uncommon names often pair Allister with siblings like Fiona or Angus.
Allister is widely considered an Anglicized variant of Alasdair, the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander. Alexander derives from the Greek Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men.' The name has been used in Scotland for centuries, though its exact path into modern English usage is unclear. It gained modest popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Allie, A
Sibling names for Allister
Names that share Allister's style, for a brother or sister.
