Alastar – Meaning and Origin
Alastar is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name “Alasdair”. The name Alastar is a variant of the Scottish name Alexander, which means “defender of mankind”. It is also related to the Latin name Alexander, which means “protector of men”.
History and Popularity
The name Alastar has been in use since at least the 16th century in Scotland and Ireland. It was popularized by the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote a poem about an Alastar MacGregor in 1786. Since then, it has become increasingly popular in both countries. In Scotland, it is currently ranked as the 5th most popular male name.
In Ireland, Alastar is not as common as other Gaelic names such as Sean or Liam. However, it is still relatively popular and ranks as the 39th most popular male name in Ireland.
Famous People Named Alastar
There are several famous people who have been given the name Alastar. These include:
- Alastair Cook, an English cricketer who captained England for five years.
- Alastair Campbell, a British political strategist and former advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair.
- Alastair Sim, a Scottish actor best known for his roles in classic films such as Scrooge (1951) and The Belles of St Trinian’s (1954).
- Alastair Reynolds, a British science fiction author whose works include Revelation Space and Chasm City.
- Alastair Fothergill, a British naturalist and documentary filmmaker who co-created BBC’s Planet Earth series.
Conclusion
The name Alastar is a strong and powerful one with deep roots in both Scotland and Ireland. It carries with it connotations of strength, protection, and leadership – qualities that many parents would want their children to possess. Whether you are looking for a unique name for your baby boy or simply want to honor your Scottish or Irish heritage, Alastar is definitely worth considering.
