As I am now at the end of my tether I thought I would give this one last go and use your input to hopefully make my mind up once and for all.
You have all been so wonderful with your feedback about our current dilemma; [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] or [name_m]Alistair[/name_m]?
Iām going to put this question out there to all you name loving Berries:
If you had to personally decide out of [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] or [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] which would you choose?
I am looking for the spelling that looks the most elegant, distinguished and sophisticated and that seems the most likely to fit in with the style of big brother [name_m]Edmund[/name_m]. To be completely honest, I looked up both names on the Nameberry database and [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] appears in the āYupsterā names list whilst [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] features in the ā[name_f]Fancy[/name_f], Elegant and Sophisticatedā name list. Iām not really sure why this has occurred for the different spellings so some insight would be terrific! I know itās ridiculous but I really didnāt want a Yupster name for our son. Lol
If you could please respond (again!) Iād be most grateful
First of all, both [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] and [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] are amazing names! In fact, sometimes one letter makes an huge difference, but this is not the case. At least, not for me. That different letter doesnāt change my perspective of the names. I believe they fit into the same categories and the same style.
That being said, I completely understand why youāre going back and forward with this decision. [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] and [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] are very charming, interesting and elegant names for a boy. Both are elegant and sophisticated. And besides that, the two options sound and look perfect next to your oldest boyās name.
At the end, I voted [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] because it is simpler for me to pronounce. This is probably not the best argument, but I hope it helps you.
You seem to have done a great research, did you find any good or bad associations to either name? Which origin of the names is more appealing to you?
I voted for [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] purely because thatās how I would instinctively spell it if I heard it in real life and had to write it down. But [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] looks great as well.
Thank you for your very thoughtful and kind words. I agree with you that both spellings are lovely and I think this is why Iām not sure which way to go. And I donāt want to pick one and then regret not choosing the other!
Initially my gut instinct was to go with the [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] spelling and now Iām afraid that in all my research I seem to have confused myself completely. Iām pretty sure that when I look at both spellings now I prefer the look of [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] Iām so undecided right now!!
What a great question youāve asked - In all my research of both names there isnāt a namesake that Iāve found to have a meaningful connection with, unfortunately. If I could just find one then maybe the decision would be a little less tricky.
Would you be more likely to pronounce [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] as [name_m]Al[/name_m]-is-tuh and [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] as [name_m]Al[/name_m]-as-tuh? Or would you pronounce them the same? Unfortunately I have a negative association with the surname Lister and now Iām worried that this may be a problem with the pronunciation of [name_m]Alistair[/name_m].
So sorry to vote for the least fave option so far but I know two irl and they both spell it [name_m]Alastair[/name_m]! [name_u]Love[/name_u] that spelling.
I probably would not pronounce them differently unless I was told.
Very very handsome brother name to [name_m]Edmund[/name_m]!!
I voted for [name_m]Alastair[/name_m] as the one that I know spells it this way.
Hmm theyāre both kiwi so more likeā¦ [name_m]Al[/name_m]-uh-stuh. But I would say you can pronounce it however you like! I also wouldnāt pronounce them any differently to each other.
I prefer [name_m]Alistair[/name_m], just because I see āalasā at the beginning on [name_m]Alastair[/name_m]. I think either spelling would be fine for whichever pronunciation you prefer.
[name_m]Just[/name_m] something trivial to add - Iāve just noticed that [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] spelt in this way has a nice even balance of two āaāsā and two āiāsā.
Since youāre essentially choosing between two different spellings of the same name, Iām gonna give my synesthesia brain permission to free-associate, in hopes that the different āfeelā of each spelling will help one resonate with you more than the other.
Alastair feels rounder, grander, more expansive. I get impressions of ballroom staircases, the hurried feeling of writing down an inspiration before itās gone, warm light in rainy windows, tarnished silver tea sets, and stacks of vintage books, mostly classic literature with worn-out spines. Colors are warmer - browns, creams, and golds.
Alistair feels slimmer, sharper, more precise. I get impressions of fencing foils and needle-sharp daggers, narrowed eyes, the smudgy shadows of a rainy day, silver hair sticks sharpened to a point, and words laced with double-meanings. Colors are cooler - silver and charcoal.