Alastair is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name "Àlainn", which means "handsome" or "fair". The name has been anglicized over time, evolving into its present-day form, Alastair.
The earliest known use of the name Alastair can be traced back to Scotland in the 13th century. It was borne by several notable historical figures, including Sir Alastair MacDonald, a Scottish chief who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Over the centuries, the name Alastair has been passed down through generations and has gained popularity both within Scotland and internationally. Today, it is often associated with Scottish culture and heritage but can be found in various countries around the world.
Alastair is typically considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for boys. It is often shortened to familiar forms such as Alast or Ali. Some variations of the name include Alasdair, Alisdair, and Alick.
Despite its Scottish origins, Alastair has been embraced by people from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its unique sound and meaning. Whether it's for its historical significance, cultural heritage, or simply because they like how it sounds, many parents choose this distinctive name for their children as a symbol of pride and individuality.
The name Alastair has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. With only five births recorded each year in 1922 and 1925, it was quite uncommon during those early decades.
However, starting from the late 1970s, there was a noticeable rise in babies named Alastair. The years 1986 to 1988 marked a turning point with a total of 57 births over these three years alone, more than five times the number recorded between 1922 and 1925 combined.
The trend continued into the new millennium, with the highest peak in popularity occurring recently. In 2016 to 2023, there were a total of 477 births, which is almost twice as many as the previous high between 2006 and 2015 (289 births).
Overall, from 1922 to 2023, there have been a total of 1237 babies named Alastair born in the United States. This steady growth in popularity over time suggests that Alastair has become an increasingly favored name among American parents in recent years.