Allister as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Allister

What is the meaning of the name Allister ?

The baby name Allister is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced /ˈælɪstər/ (AL-iss-ter).

Allister is Scottish Gaelic in Origin.

Allister is a modern English spelling of the Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, the Gaelic form of Alexander. Derived from the Greek name Alexandros (alexo ‘to defend’ + aner/andros ‘man’), it carries the meaning ‘defender of men’ or ‘protector of mankind’. The name traveled from Greek to Latin and Norman French before taking root in medieval Scotland, where Alasdair became a hallmark of Gaelic culture.

In use since the Middle Ages, the family of names includes Alistair, Alastair, Alister, Alaster, and the Gaelic Alasdair; related feminine forms are Alexandra and Alessandra. Allister appears most in Scotland, Ireland, and later North America, sometimes influenced by the surname MacAlister/McAlister. Popularity for the broader Alistair/Alastair spellings rose in Britain in the 20th century, lending a scholarly, aristocratic tone; Allister remains the rarer, streamlined choice. Common nicknames include Ali, Ally, Al, and Sandy.