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boy name · Greek origin

Alexander

/ al-ig-ZAN-der /
Boy Greek 4 syllables
Meaning
Alexander means Defender of the people (Greek).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
al-ig-ZAN-der
Popularity
#30 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Alexander in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Alexander first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1993, when 20,530 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 7,230.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

What does Alexander mean?

From the Greek Alexandros — alexein (to defend) and andros (man) — “defender of the people.”

Nicknames for Alexander

Names like Alexander

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Alexander mean?

Alexander means Defender of the people. From the Greek Alexandros — alexein (to defend) and andros (man) — “defender of the people.”

What is the origin of the name Alexander?

Alexander is of Greek origin.

How do you pronounce Alexander?

Alexander is pronounced “al-ig-ZAN-der.”

Is Alexander a boy or a girl name?

Alexander is most commonly used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Alexander?

In 2025, Alexander ranked #30 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Alexander most popular?

Alexander was most popular in 1993, when about 20,530 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What are common nicknames for Alexander?

Common nicknames for Alexander include Alex, Xander, Sasha.