Aleister is a unique and intriguing name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Alasdair, which itself comes from the Old Norse name Áleifr. This name has a rich history and was popular among Highland Scottish clans.
The name Aleister means 'noble' or 'hero'. In Old Norse, it translates to 'elf counsel', with 'ál' meaning elf and 'hefr' meaning counsel. The name Alasdair is also associated with the legendary Scottish hero, Macbeth, who was known as Alasdair in Gaelic.
Throughout history, the name Aleister has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous is Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), a British occultist and writer who was influential in the development of modern western esotericism. Despite his fame, it is important to note that Crowley's actions and beliefs are not representative of all individuals named Aleister.
Today, Aleister remains a rare but captivating name choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful moniker for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Aleister has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States.
Between 1997 and 2007, the number of babies named Aleister remained relatively low, with an average of about 9 births per year. However, starting in 2008, there was a notable spike in the number of newborns given the name Aleister, with 11 births that year.
This upward trend continued over the next decade, with the highest number of Aleister births recorded in 2020 (68) and 2019 (61). The most recent data from 2023 shows a slight dip to 43 births, but still significantly higher than the average number of Aleister births in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Overall, since 1997, there have been a total of 573 babies named Aleister born in the United States. This steady increase in popularity suggests that parents continue to favor this distinctive name for their children.