Find out how popular the first name Alastair has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alastair by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Alastair is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 59 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alastair.

The history of the first name Alastair

The name Alastair has its origins in the ancient Gaelic languages of Scotland and Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name Alasdair, which is a Gaelic form of the Greek name Alexander, meaning "defender of men."

The earliest recorded use of the name Alastair dates back to the Middle Ages in Scotland, where it was a common name among the Gaelic-speaking clans of the Scottish Highlands. It was particularly popular among members of Clan Donald, one of the largest and most powerful clans in the region.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Alastair was Alastair Óg MacDonald, the 8th Chief of Clan Donald, who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He played a significant role in the wars between the clans and the Scottish Crown during this turbulent period.

Another notable Alastair in Scottish history was Alastair MacColla, a renowned Royalist military leader during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the mid-17th century. He was a skilled strategist and led Gaelic-speaking forces in support of King Charles I against the Covenanters and Parliamentarians.

In the 18th century, Alastair MacDonald of Glenaladale was a prominent Jacobite who fought for the restoration of the Stuart monarchy during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. He played a crucial role in helping the famous Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from Scotland after the Battle of Culloden.

The name Alastair also has literary connections, with one of the most famous examples being Alastair Petrie, a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Waverley." Published in 1814, the novel was instrumental in reviving interest in Scottish history and culture during the Romantic period.

Another notable figure with the name Alastair was Alastair Sim, a Scottish actor who achieved fame in the mid-20th century for his performances in various British comedies and dramas. He was born in 1900 and passed away in 1976, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of cinema.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alastair was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alastair, please contact us.

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