What does Alaster mean and where does it come from?
Alaster is a variant of the name Alasdair, which is of Scottish Gaelic origin. The name was first recorded in Scotland in the 12th century. Notable individuals with this name include Alaster Graham, a notable Scottish landscape artist. The name has various spellings and forms, often reflecting cultu
Cultural significance
Alaster has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of defender of the people.
Peak popularity
Reached #9281 in 2016 — currently #8945 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Alaster?
Alaster works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alaster Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alaster Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alaster Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alaster Claire
French influence · crisp
Alaster Jane
Literary · strong
Alaster Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alaster right now?
Falling — down 617 spots — currently #8945 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8945 | 8 | ▼ down 617 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #8328 | 9 | ▼ down 720 · -10% births |
| 2021 | #7608 | 10 | ▲ up 3612 · +67% births |
| 2020 | #11220 | 6 | ▲ up 354 |
| 2010 | #11574 | 6 | — |
The story of Alaster
Alaster is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1998. With 82 total births recorded, Alaster remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11574 in 2010 to #8945 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Alaster in 2016:
Alaster by decade
Alaster peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 22 | |
| 2010s ★ | 49 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Alaster has only 82 total recorded births since 1998 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Alaster?
What names sound and feel like Alaster?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alaster also consider these
Common questions about the name Alaster
What does the name Alaster mean?
Alaster means "defender of the people" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alaster?
Alaster is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Alaster?
Alaster originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alaster?
Alaster is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 L AH0 S T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Alaster?
Alaster pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.