Alexander
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.
Is Alexander popular?
Declining Alexander is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1993 peak.
| 2020s | 51,145 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 142,161 | |
| 2000s | 178,847 | |
| 1990s | 183,952 | |
| 1980s | 82,010 | |
| 1970s | 24,932 | |
| 1960s | 14,168 | |
| 1950s | 12,180 | |
| 1940s | 9,477 | |
| 1930s | 7,095 | |
| 1920s | 12,539 | |
| 1910s | 11,352 | |
| 1900s | 2,230 | |
| 1890s | 1,954 | |
| 1880s | 2,081 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Alexander mean?
From Greek 'alexein' (to defend, protect) and 'aner/andros' (man), so 'defender/protector of men'. Note this is strictly 'defender' rather than 'warrior', though its martial fame comes from Alexander the Great.
Nicknames for Alexander
- Alex
- Xander
- Sandy
- Al
Variants & spellings
- Alejandro
- Alessandro
- Aleksandr
Names like Alexander
greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Alexander
Popular greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Alexander
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alexander mean?
Alexander means Defender of men. From Greek 'alexein' (to defend, protect) and 'aner/andros' (man), so 'defender/protector of men'. Note this is strictly 'defender' rather than 'warrior', though its martial fame comes from Alexander the Great.
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.
Is Alexander a popular name right now?
Alexander is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1993 peak.
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, Sandy, Al.
What names are similar to Alexander?
Names similar to Alexander include Sebastian, Nicholas, Theodore, Maximilian.
What names go well with Alexander?
greek names that pair well with Alexander include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.