Alasdair

Meaning of Alasdair

Alasdair, a masculine given name of Gaelic provenance, derives from the Hellenic Alexandros—rooted in the Greek aléxein, “to defend,” and anḗr, “man”—and is articulated in English as /ˈæl.ə.stɛr/ and in Gaelic as /ˈal.ə.stɛr/, reflecting its tripartite syllabic structure with stress on the medial element. Historically borne by Scottish clan chiefs and noted literary figures, the name conveys associations of leadership, guardianship and intellectual distinction within Anglo-American spheres. In the United States, Alasdair has sustained a modest yet consistent presence—ranked near 894 in 2024 with thirty recorded births—exhibiting minimal fluctuation within the lower deciles of male name frequencies over the past decade. Such data-driven insight underscores Alasdair’s technical precision and enduring cultural resonance as a discerning choice for those seeking a name that bridges historical depth and contemporary specificity.