Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Alistair
BoyScottish, Greek· “defender of men”
- Meaning
- defender of men
- Origin
- Scottish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- A-lih-stehr
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #897
- US babies 2025
- 265
- Best rank
- #885 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Alistair
Alistair is a Scottish and Greek name that means “defender of men”.
Alistair is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, which is the Gaelic form of Alexander. Alexander comes from Greek alexein, "to defend," and aner, "man," so it means "defender of men." The name has long been used in Scotland and later spread to England and beyond. Broadcaster Alistair Cooke, known for his Letter from America, is one well-known bearer. Pronounced A-lih-stehr, it has a refined, distinctly British sound. Ali and Al are nicknames. Alistair suits parents who want a classic name with Scottish heritage and an elegant feel.
Popularity over time
Alistair first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 2016. Its best national rank was #885 in 2016, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 265 were named Alistair. In 2025, 265 babies were named Alistair, and it ranked #897 nationally. That is 34% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,544 in 1980, #3,425 in 2000, #1,807 in 2010, and #897 in 2025. Of the 4,088 US boys named Alistair since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,501 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lucien, Marcello, Kaleo, Eliezer, and Foster.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alistair ranked highest in Colorado, Missouri, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | #537 | 10 |
| Missouri | #559 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #623 | 7 |
| Oklahoma | #699 | 5 |
| Utah | #706 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Alistair is usually pronounced A-lih-stehr, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with A and ends in “-ir”.
Middle names for Alistair
A few middle names that flow with Alistair: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alistair
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Lists that include Alistair
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alistair mean?
Alistair is a Scottish and Greek name that means “defender of men”.
What is the origin of the name Alistair?
Alistair has Scottish and Greek roots. Alistair is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, which is the Gaelic form of Alexander.
Is Alistair a popular name?
Yes. Alistair ranked #897 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alistair a boy or girl name?
Alistair is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Alistair?
Alistair is usually pronounced A-lih-stehr. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings