Alistair

Meaning of Alistair

Alistair is the debonair Scottish spin on the timeless Alexander, carrying the valiant meaning “defender of mankind.” With its rolling l-stair ending, the name sounds as if it were lifted straight from the misty Highlands, yet it fits just as comfortably on today’s playground as it does in the pages of an adventure novel. From legendary broadcaster Alistair Cooke to modern actor Alistair Petrie, its bearers tend to exude quiet confidence and a dash of intellectual charm. In the United States, Alistair has been steadily gliding upward—hovering around the mid-600s in recent years—striking that sweet spot between familiar and rare. Parents who choose Alistair often say they love the name’s blend of tradition and distinctiveness; it feels like a hand-me-down heirloom polished for a new generation. If you’re looking for a name that sounds both knightly and neighborly, Alistair might be the perfect fit.