Alastair

Alastair is the anglicized variant of Alasdair, which represents the Scottish form of the name Alexander. This first name carries the meaning "the defender of men" or "the protector" and is derived from the Greek original name Alexandros, which is composed of the ancient Greek elements aléxein (ἀλέξειν), meaning "to ward off, protect, defend," and anēr (ἀνήρ) (genitive andrós) for "man, human."

What does the name Alastair mean?

Alastair is an anglicized variant of Alasdair, a Scottish form of Alexander. The meaning of the name is "the defender of men" or "the protector." This derivation comes from the Greek original name Alexandros, which is composed of the ancient Greek words aléxein (ἀλέξειν) for "to ward off, protect, defend" and anēr (ἀνήρ) (genitive andrós) for "man, human." In the English-speaking world, particularly in Great Britain, the first name is relatively common. Notable bearers of the name include British actor Alastair Mackenzie and Welsh author Alastair Reynolds. Other variants of Alasdair include Alistair and Alister.

How do you pronounce Alastair?

The sound and pronunciation of the name Alastair is three syllables and fluid. It is pronounced as "A-las-tair" [ˈaləstɛːɐ̯], with a clear beginning leading to a widely sweeping end. The consonant sequence in the middle gives the name structure, while the long final vowel brings openness to the sound. Alastair thus appears elegant and self-assured – lively in rhythm and with a cultivated aura.

When is the name day of Alastair?

The main name days for Alastair fall on May 3 and July 10.

Popularity

In Germany, Alastair is a rare first name. Currently, it ranks 5,840th in the list of the most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 2010, when it reached 2,204th. In the last ten years, Alastair has been given as a first name about 20 times, placing it 4,894th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 4,886th.

Nicknames & pet names

Al / Alas / Allie / Alsy / Elas

Similar first names

Alystair

Famous people

• Alastair Biggar (British rugby player)
• Alastair Cameron (1925–2005, Canadian-American astrophysicist)
• Alastair Culham (English botanist)
• Alastair Duncan (Scottish actor)
• Alastair Fisher (British rugby player)
• Alastair Forsyth (golfer from Scotland)
• Alastair Fothergill (* 1960, British TV producer)
• Alastair Gatt (British badminton player)
• Alastair Gordon (rower from Australia)
• Alastair Humphreys (adventurer, author)
• Alastair Lorne Campbell von Airds (writer from England)
• Alastair Macdonald (historian from England)
• Alastair Mackenzie (British actor)
• Alastair Marriott (ballet dancer from Great Britain)
• Alastair McDonald (British musician)
• Alastair McNeil (English rugby player)
• Alastair Miles (English opera singer)
• Alastair Moock (American singer)
• Alastair Norcross (American philosopher)
• Alastair Reid (writer from England)