boy name · Greek origin
Xander
/ ZAN-der /
Meaning
Xander means Defender of the people (Greek).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
ZAN-der
Popularity
#259 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Xander in the US, 1880–2025
Xander first appears in US records in 1990. It peaked in 2017, when 2,414 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,335.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Xander mean?
Xander is a short form of Alexander, “defender of the people.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Xander mean?
Xander means Defender of the people. Xander is a short form of Alexander, “defender of the people.”
What is the origin of the name Xander?
Xander is of Greek origin.
How do you pronounce Xander?
Xander is pronounced “ZAN-der.”
Is Xander a boy or a girl name?
Xander is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Xander?
In 2025, Xander ranked #259 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Xander most popular?
Xander was most popular in 2017, when about 2,414 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.