The name Alistair originates from the Scottish Gaelic name Alasdair, which is derived from the Greek name Alexander, meaning "defender of men." The name has its roots in ancient Greek culture and mythology, where Alexander the Great, the famous Macedonian king, was given this name at birth.

The name Alistair first appeared in Scotland during the Middle Ages, as a Scottish variant of the name Alexander. It was particularly popular among Scottish clans and families with strong Gaelic heritage and traditions. The spelling "Alistair" emerged as a distinct Scottish form, separate from the English "Alexander."

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Alistair can be found in the medieval Scottish text "The Book of Deer," dating back to the 9th or 10th century. This ancient manuscript contains the first known written reference to the name in its Gaelic form, "Alasdair."

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Alistair. One of the most famous was Alistair Crowley (1875-1947), an English occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician, who was a prominent figure in the early 20th century occult revival. Another well-known Alistair was Alistair Cooke (1908-2004), a renowned British-American journalist and broadcaster, best known for his long-running radio program "Letter from America."

In the literary world, Alistair MacLean (1922-1987) was a bestselling Scottish novelist who wrote popular adventure and war stories, including "The Guns of Navarone" and "Where Eagles Dare." Alistair Sim (1900-1976) was a Scottish actor known for his memorable performances in films like "Scrooge" and "The Green Man."

Alistair Darling (born 1953) is a British Labour Party politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2007 to 2010 under Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government.

The name Alistair has a rich heritage and historical significance, deeply rooted in Scottish Gaelic culture and ancient Greek mythology. Its enduring popularity over the centuries is a testament to its unique and distinctive character.