Alistair

Scottish form of Alexander, "defending men"

One of my favourite “did-they-really-do-that?” sibset stories is from a guy I once worked with named Alexander. One day he mentioned that his younger brother was called Alistair.

Trying to rein in my curiosity to non-creepy levels, I commented that their names were quite similar. Alexander said that when he was young, sometimes people mis-heard his name and called him Alistair, and his mother liked it so much she used it for her second son.

Maybe you, like their mother, also feel that Alistair is an upgrade of Alexander? It’s just as much of a distinguished gentleman name, but softer, shorter, and with a nod to its Scottish heritage.

Alistair is the most popular spelling, sitting steadily just inside the US Top 1000 boy names, but there is also Alastair, Alasdair, Allister, and more.

Do you want to pick a future Nameberry of the Day? Just send your favorite name to grace@nameberry.com and let me know what makes you love it!