Alistair
How to say it: AL-uh-stair · /ˈæləstɛr/
Scottish form of Alexander; from Greek 'defender of men'.
Alistair was the 577th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 265 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 26% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #547 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #577 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 265 |
| Share of births | 1 in 7,053 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +26% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #547 |
| In France, 2025 | #889 among boys’ names, 25 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Most use of Alistair has come in recent decades. Standing at its high in the 2020s, it is expected to rise further.
What goes with it
Breathy and soft, Alistair feels strong with an old world charm. Eamon shares its style.
Nicknames
- Al
- Ali
- Alis
Honouring a Alistair in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Alistair is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Greek, Scottish Gaelic.
In France: #889 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Alistair
- Alistair Johnston (born 1998)Canadian soccer player
- Alistair MacLean (1922–1987)Scottish novelist
- Alistair Overeem (born 1980)Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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