The name Alister has its origins in the ancient Gaelic language, which was spoken in parts of Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. It is a Scottish variant of the name Alexander, which itself is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men" or "protector of men."

In the Gaelic language, the name Alister is spelled "Alasdair," which is a Gaelic form of the name Alexander. The name was used in Scotland for centuries and was particularly popular among Scottish clans and families with strong ties to the Gaelic culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alister can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient Irish chronicle that dates back to the 15th century. The Annals mention an individual named "Alasdair mac Domhnaill" who was a member of the powerful MacDonald clan in the Scottish Highlands.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Alister or its variants. One of the most famous was Alister MacKenzie (1870-1934), a renowned Scottish golf course architect who designed some of the world's most prestigious golf courses, including Augusta National Golf Club and Cypress Point Club.

Another notable Alister was Alister Crowley (1875-1947), an English occultist, ceremonial magician, and writer who was known for his controversial and unconventional beliefs and practices. Crowley was a highly influential figure in the occult and esoteric movements of the early 20th century.

In the world of literature, Alister MacKillop (1931-2011) was a Scottish poet and academic who made significant contributions to the study of Scottish literature and culture. He was also a respected authority on the works of Robert Burns.

Alister G. Stalheim (1919-1986) was a Norwegian-American World War II veteran and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States.

Finally, Alister Jack (born 1963) is a Scottish politician who has served as the Secretary of State for Scotland since 2019, representing the Conservative Party.

The name Alister remains a popular choice in Scotland and among those with Scottish heritage, as it evokes a strong connection to the rich Gaelic culture and history of the region.