"defender of men"
Origin: Greek Alexandros
Language: English
Aleister
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A brooding Scottish Alexander with a complex, fascinating history
Scottish
English
Irish
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Meaning & Origin
"protector of mankind"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic Alasdair
Language: Scottish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), controversial British occultist called 'The Great Beast 666' and founder of Thelema — this association is very strong and may concern some parents
The Story of Aleister
Aleister is a Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, itself from the Greek 'Alexandros' meaning 'defender of men' (from 'alexein' to defend + 'aner' man). The name traveled from ancient Greece through Alexander the Great's conquests to become Alasdair in Scottish Gaelic, with Aleister being a common anglicized spelling. It has a distinctly Celtic, Highland quality that sets it apart from the standard Alistair.
Aleister is a niche but consistently used name primarily in Scottish and Irish communities. Its association with Aleister Crowley both deters mainstream use and attracts parents interested in occult or countercultural aesthetics. Gothic and literary parents are drawn to its distinguished, slightly dark air.
The name is most famous in its association with Aleister Crowley, the influential (and controversial) 20th century occultist, poet, and mountaineer who founded the religious philosophy of Thelema. For those outside this context, it remains a distinguished Scottish name with strong Gaelic heritage.
Historical Record
Aleister first appeared in US Social Security records in 1997.
Over 611 babies have been named Aleister in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Aleister is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,343 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was named Edward Alexander Crowley at birth and adopted Aleister as his chosen name
- Alasdair is one of the most common names in Scottish Gaelic, with Aleister being one of several anglicized forms
Aleister in Other Languages
Greek
Αλέξανδρος
Irish
Alastar
German
Alexander
Scottish Gaelic
Alasdair
Popularity Over Time
#3,343
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Aleister
A
Aleister Black
Entertainer
1985
Dutch-American professional wrestler known for his dark aesthetic, performing in WWE and AEW
A
Aleister Crowley
Writer
1875
British occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, and mountaineer; founder of Thelema; known as 'The Great Beast'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,343
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Al
Aly
Lex
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Aleister
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aleister
What does the name Aleister mean?
"defender of men" (from Greek Alexandros). "protector of mankind" (from Scottish Gaelic Alasdair). Aleister is a Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, itself from the Greek 'Alexandros' meaning 'defender of men' (from 'alexein' to defend + 'aner' man). The name traveled from ancient Greece through Alexander the Great's conquests to become Alasdair in Scottish Gaelic, with Aleister being a common anglicized spelling. It has a distinctly Celtic, Highland quality that sets it apart from the standard Alistair.
What is the origin of the name Aleister?
Aleister has Greek Alexandros, Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, Scottish, English, and Irish origins. In Greek Alexandros, it means "defender of men". In Scottish Gaelic Alasdair, it means "protector of mankind".
Is Aleister a boy or girl name?
Aleister is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Aleister?
Aleister is currently ranked #3343 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aleister?
Common nicknames for Aleister include Aly and Lex.
What are good middle names for Aleister?
Popular middle name pairings include Aleister James, Aleister Hugh, Aleister Duncan, Aleister Cole, Aleister Reid, and Aleister Grey.
What are good sibling names for Aleister?
Names that pair well with Aleister as siblings include Dorian, Sebastian, Callum, Isolde, Imogen, and Catriona.
How many syllables does Aleister have?
Aleister has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Aleister a common or rare name?
Aleister is an uncommon name, ranked #3343 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Aleister
Aleister is a boy name with Scottish, English, and Irish origins . The name means "defender of men" in Greek Alexandros .
Aleister is currently ranked #3,343 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Aleister has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Aleister include Al, Aly, and Lex. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis