Alister is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Àlasdair', which itself is composed of two elements: 'àlach', meaning 'noble', and '-sair', meaning 'peace'. Therefore, the name Alister means 'noble peace'.
The name Alister has a rich history in Scotland. It is believed to have originated as a Scottish clan name, with the first recorded use appearing in the 13th century. The Clan MacAlister is one of the most prominent Highland clans in Scotland, and they trace their lineage back to a man named Alastair MacEacharn, who lived in the 14th century.
Over time, the name Alister has evolved and spread beyond its Scottish origins. Today, it can be found in various spellings around the world, including Alester, Aleister, Allaster, and others. Despite these variations, the core meaning of 'noble peace' remains consistent across all forms of the name.
In literature, one notable figure named Alister is Sir Alastair Horne, a British historian and journalist known for his works on military history. In popular culture, the name Alister has been used in various movies, TV shows, and books, further contributing to its widespread recognition.
Overall, the name Alister is a strong and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and historically significant name for their son. Its Scottish origins and rich historical background make it an appealing option for those interested in Gaelic culture and heritage.
The name Alister has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early periods from 1924 to 1982, it was relatively uncommon with only 5 births recorded in 1924 and no data available for other years.
However, starting from 1982, there was a notable rise in popularity. The name Alister was given to 6 babies born that year, marking the beginning of a steady increase over time. This trend continued throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with births ranging between 5 and 10 each year.
In the new millennium, there was a significant spike in popularity for the name Alister. The number of births began to rise dramatically, starting with 14 births in 2001, followed by 3 consecutive years of over 10 births per year (2006-2008). This trend continued into the next decade, with an unprecedented high of 140 births recorded in 2022. In fact, the last five years have seen a steady increase in popularity for this name, with numbers ranging from 93 to 140 births each year.
Overall, since 1924 until 2023, there were a total of 1459 babies named Alister born in the United States. This steady growth over time demonstrates that the name Alister has become increasingly popular and widely accepted as a viable choice for parents naming their children.