Allister is a distinctive and elegant male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase "Alastair", which means "defender of mankind". The name has been popular in Scotland for centuries, with records dating back to the 13th century.
The name Allister was borne by several notable figures throughout history. One such figure was Sir Alexander Allister MacDonald (1792-1845), a Scottish soldier and politician who served as Governor of the Isle of Man from 1835 until his death in 1845. Another notable bearer of the name was Allister Craig (1892-1976), a Canadian architect and designer who is considered one of the pioneers of exhibit design.
Allister has also been popularized in popular culture, with several characters sharing this name appearing in films, television shows, and literature. Some examples include Allister Coakes from the British television series "The IT Crowd" and Allister McClellan from the American soap opera "One Life to Live".
Today, Allister remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive male given name, particularly popular among families of Scottish descent or those seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. Despite its origins in Scotland, Allister has gained international popularity, with bearers found throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
"In 2014, there were six babies named Allister."