Alister Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Alister originates from Scottish Gaelic and is a variant of Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people'. It traces its roots back to the Greek name Alexandros. Over time, it has evolved through various forms and is associated with strength and tradition. There is no biblical relevance associated with this name. Alister gained popularity in Scotland during the medieval period and continues to be a well-regarded name today, with several notable individuals sharing it.
The name Alister is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Alister has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Alister' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6660th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4202nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1708th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Alister' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Alister"
Pronunciation
/ˈælɪstə/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Alister is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Alasdair', which is a form of Alexander. The name Alexander comes from the Greek 'Alexandros', meaning 'defender of the people'.
Meaning
Defender of the people.
Language Evolution
Alexander (Greek), Alessandro (Italian), Alejandro (Spanish), Alasdair (Scottish Gaelic), Alister (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Alister gained popularity in Scotland during the medieval period as a variant of Alexander and has remained a distinct name over the centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Alasdair, Alexander, Alex, Al, Alec
Modern Popularity & Image
Alister is perceived as a strong and traditional name, often associated with Scottish heritage. It has a classic yet modern appeal.
Famous People
Alister McGrath - Theologian and author, Alister Campbell - British political aide, Alister Crowley - Occultist and writer
Explore More Alister Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Alister"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Alister"
"Alister" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6660th of 16616 | 86 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4202nd of 24088 | 335 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1708th of 23106 | 1,135 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Alister" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
49.04% 3586th/7313 |
46.74% 3488th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
42.87% 1708th/3984 |
59.86% 2686th/4487 |
26.50% 1808th/6822 |
25.56% 1604th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Alister" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Alister"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Alister" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.