Alexander
Alexander is a boy name of Greek origin meaning “Defender of the people”, pronounced al-ig-ZAN-der. It ranked #30 in the United States in 2025, given to 7,230 babies, and peaked at #4 in 2009. Common nicknames: Alex, Xander, Lex.
How popular is Alexander in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Alexander mean, and where does it come from?
Alexander comes from the Greek name Alexandros, composed of "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man). It was borne most famously by Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon who created one of the largest empires in ancient history. The name has been consistently popular across European cultures for over two thousand years, carried by kings, popes, and emperors. In modern times, Alexander remains one of the most internationally recognized and well-loved boy names, appearing in the top 20 in the United States, United Kingdom, and most European countries.
How is Alexander used around the world?
Alexander is used in 10 languages worldwide, with 24+ international variants.
Female FormAlexandra
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Alexander?
Famous People Named Alexander
- Alexander the Great — King of Macedon
- Alexander Hamilton — Founding Father of the United States
- Alexander McQueen — British fashion designer
Similar Names to Alexander
If you like Alexander, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Alexander
Looking for names that pair well with Alexander? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Alexander mean?
Alexander is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Defender of the people." Alexander comes from the Greek name Alexandros, composed of "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man). It was borne most famously by Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon who created one of the largest empires in ancient history.
How do you pronounce Alexander?
Alexander is pronounced al-ig-ZAN-der. Common variations include Alejandro, Alessandro, Aleksandr.
Is Alexander a boy name?
Yes, Alexander is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Alex, Xander, Lex, Sasha, Alec, Sandy.