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Home › Baby Names Directory › Alastair

Alastair

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-uh-stair /ˈæl.ə.stɛər/High

Meaning: Defender of men; Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander (Greek Alexandros: alexein to defend + aner/andros man)High

In 30 seconds: The Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander meaning 'defender of men.' One of Scotland's most distinguished name forms, Alastair carries both the ancient Greek greatness of Alexander and the Highland heritage of Scotland.
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Origin HighScottish
MeaningDefender of men; Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander (Greek Alexandros: alexein to defend + aner/andros man)
U.S. rank (2025)#2147 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births67 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,364

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519222025

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

Alastair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, from Greek Alexandros (defender of men: alexein to defend + aner man). Alexander the Great's name spread through the Greek-speaking world and was carried to Scotland through Christian naming tradition.

Alastair is used primarily in Scottish and Scottish American communities. It ranked #2364 for U.S. boys in 2024, appreciated for its distinguished Highland character.

Did you know? Alastair is one of four major Scottish Gaelic forms of Alexander — alongside Alasdair, Alister, and Alistair. The variation in spelling reflects different Gaelic dialects across Scotland: mainland Gaelic, Hebridean dialects, and anglicized forms each developed differently.
Overall data confidence 94%
Behind the Name — Alastair — Scottish Gaelic/Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlasdairAlistairAlister

Nicknames

AlAliAly

Famous Bearers

  • ★Alastair Campbell (1957–present)
    British journalist and political strategist who served as Director of Communications and spokesman for Prime Minister Tony Blair.

If you like Alastair…

Alistair— another common spelling variant in the same family
Callum— Scottish Gaelic name (dove) with the same Highland heritage
Angus— Scottish Gaelic name with the same dignified Highland character
Adair— another Scottish name
Alister— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Alastair

By themethree-syllablescottishgaelicdefender
By meaningProtector

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Alastair mean?

Alastair means 'defender of men,' the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander (Greek: alexein to defend + aner man).

How do you pronounce Alastair?

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

Is Alastair a boy or girl name?

Alastair is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Alastair?

Alastair ranked #2364 for U.S. boys in 2024.

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