Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Alasdair

Alasdair

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-ə-stair /ˈæl.ə.stɛr/Medium

Meaning: Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander — Greek Alexandros, 'defender of the people'High

In 30 seconds: Alexander, in full Highland dress: Alasdair means 'defender of the people' — the Scottish Gaelic form of the great conqueror's name. Stately, Celtic, and handsomely old-world.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighGreek, Scottish
MeaningScottish Gaelic form of Alexander — Greek Alexandros, 'defender of the people'
U.S. rank (2025)#3850 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births28 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 525

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119892025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Alasdair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander — Greek Alexandros, alexein, 'to defend', plus aner, 'man' — 'defender of the people'. Hugely popular in Scotland (three kings named Alexander), it carries Highland dignity; Alistair is the anglicized spelling.

In the U.S. it appears in Scottish-heritage families. Rare, defender at the root, and handsomely Celtic.

Did you know? Alexander was so beloved in Scotland — three medieval kings bore it — that the Gaelic Alasdair became a national name, with the clan war-cry 'Alba!' often paired with it.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Alasdair — etymology

Variations

AlistairAlasdarAlexander

Nicknames

AlAllySandy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Alasdair Gray (1934-2019)
    Scottish novelist and artist best known for his landmark novel Lanark
  • ★Alasdair MacIntyre (1929-)
    Scottish-American philosopher known for his influential work After Virtue on moral philosophy

If you like Alasdair…

Alistair— the anglicized spelling of the same name
Alexander— the source name behind it
Callum— a fellow Scottish favorite
Alastair— lands in the same popularity range
Adair— echoes that soft -ir sound

Explore names like Alasdair

By themegreekclassicscottish
By meaningProtector

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alasdair mean?

Alasdair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, 'defender of the people'.

How do you pronounce Alasdair?

It's said AL-ə-stair /ˈæl.ə.stɛr/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Alasdair a boy or girl name?

Alasdair is a boy's name.

How popular is Alasdair?

Alasdair is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia