Alistair
BoyLatin
Alistair is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Defender of the people".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Latin
Popularity
2 / 100
Syllables
3
Length
8 letters
Meaning
Defender of the people
Etymology
Alistair is a male given name. It is an Anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic name Alasdair. The latter is most likely a Scottish Gaelic variant of the Norman name Alexandre or the Latin name Alexander, which was incorporated into English in the same form as Alexander.
Famous People Named Alistair
- Alistair MacLean — Scottish novelist (1922–1987)
- Alistair Darling — British Labour Party politician (1953–2023)
- Alistair Carmichael — British politician (born 1965)
- Alistair Horne — British writer and historian (1925-2017)
- Alistair Burt — British politician (born 1955)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alistair
What does the name Alistair mean?
Alistair means "Defender of the people", and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of the name Alistair?
Alistair originates from Latin.
Is Alistair a boy or girl name?
Alistair is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named Alistair?
Yes — notable people named Alistair include Alistair MacLean (Scottish novelist, 1922–1987), Alistair Darling (British Labour Party politician, 1953–2023), Alistair Carmichael (British politician, born 1965), Alistair Horne (British writer and historian, 1925-2017) and Alistair Burt (British politician, born 1955).
Last updated: June 2026