Alisdair as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Alisdair

What is the meaning of the name Alisdair ?

The baby name Alisdair is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced AL-iss-dair (IPA: /ˈælɪsdeər/).

Alisdair is Scottish Gaelic in Origin.

Alisdair is a Scottish Gaelic–rooted given name, a less common anglicized spelling of Alasdair, the Gaelic cognate of Alexander. It descends from Greek Alexandros, from alexein “to defend” and anēr/andros “man,” yielding the meaning “defender of men” or “protector of mankind.” The spelling Alisdair reflects an attempt to capture the Gaelic pronunciation while aligning with English orthography.

In medieval and early modern Scotland, Alasdair/Alistair appeared widely in the Highlands and among clan leadership; a notable bearer is the Jacobite-era poet Alasdair mac Mhaighstir Alasdair. The form Alisdair remains relatively rare compared with Alistair and Alastair in Britain and the Commonwealth, but it is fully intelligible as a traditional Scottish choice. Variants include Alasdair (Gaelic), Alistair, Alastair, Alister, and Irish Alastar; diminutives and short forms include Al, Ali, Alec, and Sandy. Feminine counterparts include Alexandra, Alessandra, and Alis.