Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Alister
BoyScottish, Greek· “variant of Alistair, form of Alexander”
- Meaning
- variant of Alistair, form of Alexander
- Origin
- Scottish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- AL-ih-stur
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,689
- US babies 2025
- 97
- Best rank
- #1,330 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Alister
Alister is a Scottish and Greek name that means “variant of Alistair, form of Alexander”.
Alister is a spelling of Alistair, the anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, which is the Gaelic version of Alexander. Alexander comes from the Greek alexein, to defend, and aner, man, so it is read as defender of men. Three medieval kings of Scotland named Alexander helped make Alasdair a staple in the Highlands. The Alister spelling follows English sound patterns, and it is said AL-ih-stur. Related forms include Alistair, Alastair, Alasdair and the surname McAllister. Ali or Al serve as nicknames, and it has a refined, traditional Scottish feel.
Popularity over time
Alister first appears in US Social Security records in 1924. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,330 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 141 babies. In 2025, 97 babies were named Alister, and it ranked #1,689 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #9,137 in 2000, #3,532 in 2010, and #1,689 in 2025. Of the 1,659 US boys named Alister since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 636 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cru, Brexton, Davi, Jasir, and Armon.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alister ranked highest in Indiana, Ohio, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | #953 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1270 | 5 |
| California | #1299 | 14 |
| Texas | #1559 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Alister is usually pronounced AL-ih-stur, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Alister
A few middle names that flow with Alister: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alister
Similar names
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Lists that include Alister
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alister mean?
Alister is a Scottish and Greek name that means “variant of Alistair, form of Alexander”.
What is the origin of the name Alister?
Alister has Scottish and Greek roots. Alister is a spelling of Alistair, the anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, which is the Gaelic version of Alexander.
Is Alister a popular name?
Not especially. Alister ranked #1,689 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Alister a boy or girl name?
Alister is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Alister?
Alister is usually pronounced AL-ih-stur. 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