Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Scottish Gaelic.
Alistair is a boy's baby name of Scottish Gaelic origin, the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros meaning "defender of the people." It has a distinctly aristocratic, Highland quality that sets it apart from its Greek original.
Alistair has been rising in the United States as parents discover this polished alternative to the ubiquitous Alexander. Its crisp, three-syllable sound and the natural nickname Ali or Alistair in full convey an effortless British elegance that ages beautifully from childhood through adulthood.