Immediate thoughts - Alastair?

[hulahoopqueen]

DH and I like the name Alastair for upcoming DS.
Are there any drawbacks we might have overlooked?
I haven't heard the name around our area very much - for context, older DS has a "regal" name so I think it would fit well.
What are your immediate thoughts on the name?

My first thought is what a nice name it is, an underused classic.

I like it. I would pronounce it Al-ass-tare though rather than alaster (I’m in England) so something worth bearing in mind. I don’t think spelling will be much of an issue though, there’s only a couple of ways to spell it and I thought that was the main one.

It’s a good, traditional, solid, Scottish name - what’s not to like!

@scottishnames

Nice name. If it matters, the correct Gaelic spelling is Alasdair. (As you will know, it's the Gaelic version of Alexander.) I know several, mostly with nicknames Ally/Ali or Alla.

With your user name I’m imagining that you’re employed in an official capacity by Visit Scotland to ensure that people choosing Scottish names are at least choosing the correct spelling

Love it.

My favoured spelling is Alistair.

Another fan here, and its meaning is 'defender/protector' x

I have a DS called Alastair (he’s in his 20s now) so I’m glad the name is getting a come back. And he’s lovely too(but I am a little biased)

bytrgrewd No, of course not. I take, from the emoji, that you were joking.
But the issue of different spellings had been raised by many posters before me. I just thought that it might be worth mentioning what the correct Gaelic spelling was, considering that it's a Gaelic version of a fairly international name (Alexander), and all that. I did not say that the OP should use that spelling. I simply offered information.

Thank you all for your feedback, it's genuinely lovely to hear that it's so highly regarded!
@deadlanguage that's totally fair, it won't trouble me too much how others pronounce it to be honest - and of course if DS grows up and prefers one over the other then that's his choice!
@scottishnames @Bytrgrewd I did take that tongue in cheek and it's definitely interesting to hear the origins of the name! :)

@scottishnames

bytrgrewd No, of course not. I take, from the emoji, that you were joking. But the issue of different spellings had been raised by many posters before me. I just thought that it might be worth mentioning what the correct Gaelic spelling was, considering that it's a Gaelic version of a fairly international name (Alexander), and all that. I did not say that the OP should use that spelling. I simply offered information.

Yes definitely tongue in cheek

I think names and their origin is fascinating. Like James/seamus/Hamish all being the same name.

@hulahoopqueen

Thank you all for your feedback, it's genuinely lovely to hear that it's so highly regarded! *@deadlanguage* that's totally fair, it won't trouble me too much how others pronounce it to be honest - and of course if DS grows up and prefers one over the other then that's his choice! *@scottishnames* *@Bytrgrewd* I did take that tongue in cheek and it's definitely interesting to hear the origins of the name! :)

It is a great name! One of my dc has an anglicised spelling of a Gaelic name. Definitely easier than spelling the Gaelic version!

I absolutely love it.

I know 2 adult Alistairs. One is known as Al and the other something else entirely.

Bytrgrewd and others I think we're all agreed it's a good name!

@scottishnames

Bytrgrewd and others I think we're all agreed it's a good name!

It’s fab - it almost makes me want another baby so I can use it!

@Hohoholymoley

I like it. Classic but not common.

Exactly. Long as you don’t mind Al Alistair seems to be most common spelling

Lovely name though personal preference is Alasdair, I think it’s closer to the Gaelic version?

I know two at work who call themselves Alastair. One Al from Uni. I really like it!

Lovely name, I know 3 grown up Alistairs and they are all lovely men!

My only concern with names like this is the North/South pronunciation issue. I would say it more Alis-ter/ta whereas my dh family are definite Alis-taire, as posh as they possibly can.

I also love it - good strong Scottish name!

Strong, handsome name. I like it very much.

I love it spelt Alasdair

I like it. And I don't think the different spellings matter (if they did a lot of names would be off limits as most names do have several spellings !)

Very biased, but I love the name. There are spelling issues (other people) which will probably irritate you and your DS, but it’s not much in the grand scheme of things

I love the name - good choice OP!