Alastair
Meaning: Defender of the people
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Gender: Boy
Rank in New Zealand: #287
Total births: 1,462
History: Alastair echoes the adventurous spirit of Aotearoa, the land that produced Sir Edmund Hillary. New Zealand's tradition of bold exploration from the Southern Alps to the Antarctic gives this name a sense of daring. Alastair suits a nation that believes no summit is too high.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from New Zealand’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1995) | #357 |
| Babies named Alastair in 1995 | 10 |
| Total recorded in New Zealand | 1,462 |
| Peak year | 1966 (43 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #107 |
| Years in records | 1933–1995 (57 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 137 spots |
Frequently asked about Alastair
What does the name Alastair mean?
Alastair means “Defender of the people” from Scottish Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Alastair?
Alastair has Scottish Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Defender of the people”.
How popular is Alastair in New Zealand?
Alastair ranked #357 in New Zealand in 1995 — given to 10 babies that year.
When was Alastair most popular?
Alastair peaked in 1966 with 43 babies registered that year in New Zealand.
Is Alastair a boy or girl name?
Alastair is predominantly a boys' name in New Zealand — over 90% of Alastairs in registered births are male.
Is the name Alastair rising or falling in popularity?
Alastair has fallen 137 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in New Zealand — from #220 in 1990 to #357 in 1995.
How long has Alastair been recorded in New Zealand?
Alastair appears in birth records in New Zealand across 57 years — from 1933 through 1995.