Alasdair

Origin & Meaning

Alasdair is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros. It has been in use in Scotland since at least the twelfth century, when the name of the Macedonian conqueror arrived via Norman French and Latin. By the medieval period it was thoroughly naturalised in the Highlands — pronounced AL-is-tir and spelled in the Gaelic manner. It is also anglicised as Alistair or Alister, but Alasdair is the oldest and most distinctly Scottish form.

History in Scotland

Three Scottish kings bore the name Alexander, which gave it enormous prestige. Alexander III, who died in 1286, was considered Scotland's last peaceful medieval monarch — his death triggered the Wars of Independence. The Gaelic form Alasdair was used by Highland clans throughout this period and afterward. Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair (c.1695–1770) is considered one of the greatest Scottish Gaelic poets.

Clan Connections

Alasdair is closely associated with Clan Donald — the Lords of the Isles — and with Clan MacAlister, which takes its name directly from Alexander. It is also strongly associated with Clan Cameron, Clan MacLeod, and Clan MacDougall.

Famous People Named Alasdair

Alasdair Gray — Scottish novelist and artist (Lanark). Alasdair Gillies — Scottish Gaelic singer. Alasdair mac Colla — seventeenth-century Highland war leader.

In the Scottish Diaspora

Alasdair followed Highland emigrants to Nova Scotia, where it survived as a given name well into the twentieth century. You find Alasdair and its anglicised forms (Alistair, Alastair) throughout the Scottish diaspora in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.