What does Aleister mean and where does it come from?
Aleister is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Alasdair, which is a Scottish variant of Alexander. The name means 'defender of mankind' and has historical roots dating back to the 13th century. One of the most notable bearers of this name is Aleister Crowley, an influential figure in occultism an
Cultural significance
Aleister has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of defender of mankind.
Peak popularity
Reached #2072 in 2020 — currently #2943 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Aleister?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Aleister?
Aleister works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Aleister Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Aleister John
One syllable · timeless choice
Aleister Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Aleister Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Aleister Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Aleister Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Aleister right now?
Rising fast — up 392 spots — currently #2943 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2943 | 42 | ▲ up 392 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #3335 | 35 | ▼ down 490 · -20% births |
| 2023 | #2845 | 44 | ▼ down 129 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #2716 | 48 | ▲ up 12 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #2728 | 46 | ▼ down 656 · -32% births |
| 2020 | #2072 | 68 | ▲ up 1785 · +143% births |
| 2015 | #3857 | 28 | ▲ up 1354 · +56% births |
| 2010 | #5211 | 18 | ▲ up 5751 · +200% births |
| 2005 | #10962 | 6 | ▼ down 3612 · -33% births |
| 2000 | #7350 | 9 | — |
The story of Aleister
Aleister is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1997. With 436 total births recorded, Aleister remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7350 in 2000 to #2845 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Aleister in 2020:
Aleister by decade
Aleister peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 80 | |
| 2010s ★ | 282 | |
| 2020s | 145 | |
💎Aleister has only 436 total recorded births since 1997 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Aleister?
What names sound and feel like Aleister?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Aleister also consider these
Common questions about the name Aleister
What does the name Aleister mean?
Aleister means "Defender of mankind" — 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 Aleister?
Aleister 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 Aleister?
Aleister 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 Aleister?
Aleister is a three-syllable name pronounced AY-lizt-ER. 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 Aleister?
Aleister 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.