Origin and Meaning of Allister

Defender of mankind

Origin: Scottish - Allister is derived from the Scottish name Alasdair, which is the Gaelic form of Alexander, originating from the Greek name Alexandros meaning 'defender of men'.

• Allister is often considered a more modern and stylized variant of the traditional name Alasdair, reflecting a unique regional identity.
• The name has been used primarily in Scotland and by communities with Scottish heritage, but it has gained popularity in other English-speaking countries.
• Notable bearers of the name include Allister Heath, a British journalist, and Allister McGrath, a prominent theologian and author.
• Popularity for Allister has been moderate, with a resurgence seen in recent years as parents seek unique alternatives to more traditional names.
• Variations of the name include Alistair, Alasdair, and Alexander, all of which share the same roots and meaning.