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Name Origin

Alistair is a Scottish masculine given name meaning 'defender of mankind'. It originates from the Gaelic elements 'ails' (meaning 'defender') and 'tear' (meaning 'mankind').

scottishgaelicmasculinedefendermankindtraditional

Famous People

Alistair Darling (1953-)

Politician

  • Chancellor of the Exchequer (2007-2010)
  • Scottish Labour Party leader

Alistair MacLeod (1936-2014)

Writer

  • Scotia Award winner for fiction
  • Known for his novels and short stories set in Cape Breton

Alistair Cooke (1908-2004)

Broadcaster and Journalist

  • Hosted 'Letter from America' on BBC Radio for over 5 decades
  • Pulitzer Prize winner

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