Origin
Alasdair originates from the Gaelic name 'Alasdair', which is the Scottish Gaelic form of 'Alexander'. The name 'Alexander' itself derives from the Greek name 'Alexandros', meaning 'defender of the people'. Historically, Alasdair and its variants have been prevalent in Scottish Gaelic-speaking regions, with notable mentions in ancient Scottish texts and chronicles.
Meaning
The literal translation of Alasdair is 'defender of mankind' or 'protector of the people'. In the Australian English context, the name embodies qualities of leadership and guardianship, often associated with strength and resilience.
Pronunciation
/ælˈaːsdɛər/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the second syllable) [al-SDAIR] in a typical Australian accent, where the first 'a' is as in 'cat' and the second 'a' as in 'care'],
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Alasdair
- Alastair
- Alaster
- Alasdair
Nicknames
- Al
- Ali
- Dair
Name Days
- 30 August (St. Alexander's Day)
- 15 June (Midsummer in Gaelic tradition)
- None specific in Australian calendars, but recognised in Scottish and Catholic communities.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with alasdair:
- Ewan and Alasdair
- Fiona and Alasdair
- Hamish and Alasdair
Fun Facts
- Alasdair is a popular name among Scottish-Australians and has increased in usage due to a resurgence in Gaelic cultural pride.
- The name is also used for characters in Australian literature and film, symbolising courage and heritage.
- Alasdair is less common as a middle name in Australia but is often used in Gaelic-themed events or festivals.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name alasdair:
- Courageous
- Loyal
- Resilient
- Traditional
- Leader
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and classic, with a distinctive Gaelic charm reflected in its spelling and pronunciation, appealing to those valuing heritage and tradition in Australian society.
Geographical Distribution
More common in regions with strong Scottish heritage, such as parts of Victoria and New South Wales, but generally less frequent across the broader population.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 in numerology, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical skills in Australian and global contexts. Likely to be viewed as thoughtful and profound.
Astrological Connections
Often linked with zodiac signs Scorpio and Capricorn, suggesting traits of determination, depth, and discipline, aligning with the name's meaning of protector and defender.
Historical Context
Notable bearers include Sir Alasdair Sinclair, a prominent Australian politician of Scottish descent, and Alasdair MacLeod, a renowned Scottish-Australian musician. The name appears in Australian literature highlighting themes of cultural identity.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adapted to various languages, retaining its Gaelic roots in English-speaking countries; in other scripts, it appears as Алесдер (Russian), الأسدير (Arabic), and أللسدير (Hebrew).
Famous People Named alasdair
- Alasdair MacLeod (Musician)
- Sir Alasdair Sinclair (Politician)
- Alasdair Gibson (Author)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 1 |
2014 | 1 |