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Home › Baby Names Directory › Allistair

Allistair

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-ih-stair /ˈæl.ɪ.stɛr/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Alistair/Alastair, the Scottish Gaelic form (Alasdair) of Alexander, from the Greek for 'defender of the people; protector of men.' The doubled -ll is a modern touch.Low

In 30 seconds: A handsome Scottish name: Allistair, from Alexander, means 'defender of the people' (said 'AL-ih-stair'). Classic and strong.
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Origin MediumScottish
MeaningA spelling of Alistair/Alastair, the Scottish Gaelic form (Alasdair) of Alexander, from the Greek for 'defender of the people; protector of men.' The doubled -ll is a modern touch.
U.S. rank (2023)#9795 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 84

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201920062023

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

Allistair is a form of Alistair/Alastair, the Scottish Gaelic (Alasdair) form of Alexander, 'defender of the people.' It pairs a highland feel with an ancient meaning -- rare in the U.S. (said 'AL-ih-stair').

It appears only rarely, next to the more common Alistair. Rare, classic, and strong.

Did you know? Allistair is a spelling of Alistair, the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander -- 'defender of the people' -- carrying a highland ring on a Greek classic (said 'AL-ih-stair').
Overall data confidence 50%
References -- Allistair — Alistair/Alexander; Scottish Gaelic; 'defender of the people'

Variations

AlistairAlastairAlister

Nicknames

AlAlly

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Allistair…

Alistair— the standard spelling
Alastair— a like Scottish form
Alexander— the classic it derives from
Callum— a like Scottish name

Explore names like Allistair

By themeclassicscottishstronggaelic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Allistair mean?

Allistair is a form of Alistair, the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, 'defender of the people.'

How do you pronounce Allistair?

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

Is Allistair a boy or girl name?

Allistair is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Allistair?

Allistair is an extremely rare, newly emerging name in the U.S.

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