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.
Pronunciation
Irish Gaelic,English
- Pronunced as al-uh-STAIR (/ˈæl.ə.stɛr/)
Scottish Gaelic
- Pronunced as al-uh-STAIR (/ˈal.ə.stɛr/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Alasdair
| Alasdair mac Mhaighstir Alasdair, also known as Alexander MacDonald, was a Scottish poet, satirist, lexicographer, and memoirist. |
| Alasdair James Gray was an award-winning Scottish writer and artist known for blending realism, fantasy and science fiction with his own illustrations. |
| Alasdair MacIntyre was a Scottish-American philosopher best known for his influential book After Virtue. |
| Alasdair Roberts is a Scottish folk musician known for his solo work, albums as Appendix Out, and membership in The Furrow Collective. |
| Alasdair McLellan is a British photographer whose work has been exhibited at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts and is held in the National Portrait Gallery. |
| Alasdair Gillies was a renowned Scottish bagpiper and teacher celebrated for his success in solo competitions. |
| Alasdair Fraser is a Scottish fiddler, composer, and recording artist. |
| Alasdair James Walker was a British doctor and senior Royal Navy officer who served as Surgeon-General of the British Armed Forces. |
| Alasdair Strokosch is a retired Scottish rugby union flanker who played for Perpignan, Gloucester and Edinburgh. |
| Alasdair MacLennan is a Scottish cyclist and sports administrator who serves as Secretary General of the European Cycling Union. |
