Alistair

Meaning: Defender of mankind
Origin: Greek — Scottish form of Alexander

Boy's name · #897 in the US (2025) · Trending

Popularity over time

Alistair is moving up the charts. First recorded in 1956, it stood at #897 in 2025; about 4,100 boys have been named Alistair along the way.

Across the states

See where Alistair is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 25 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Alistair ranks in other countries and regions.

#298 in Scotland (2025) · #509 in Ireland (2025) · #517 in England & Wales (2025) · #614 in Canada (2025) · #1,270 in France (2025) · #1,946 in Austria (2025) · #1,956 in Switzerland (2025) · #6,314 in Italy (2024) · #2,159 in Sweden (2024) · #621 in Poland (2023) · #1,216 in Belgium (2023) · #3,566 in Ecuador (2021) and 2 more.

Famous Alistairs

Alistair MacLean — Scottish writer (1922–1987)
Alistair Johnston — Canadian footballer (born 1998)
Alistair Darling — British politician (1953–2023)
Alistair Overeem — Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer (born 1980)
Alistair Petrie — British actor (born 1970)

In stories & tradition

Alistair (Ali G) — Da Ali G Show (TV series)
Alistair Smythe — The Amazing Spider-Man Annual
Alistair — Dragon Age: Origins (video game)

What Alistairs become

Among 316 notable people named Alistair:

Sports figures appear 1.37× more often than among typical names — e.g. Alistair Johnston, Canadian footballer (born 1998).

Similar names: Alastair · Kallen · Alister · Macklin · Evander · Calder

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service