Xander
Xander is a boy name of Greek origin meaning “Defender of the people”, pronounced ZAN-der. It ranked #259 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,335 babies, and peaked at #164 in 2017. Common nicknames: Xan, X, Zan.
How popular is Xander 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 Xander mean, and where does it come from?
Xander is a short form of Alexander, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which combines "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man, people). While Alexander has been one of the most enduring names in Western civilization since the era of Alexander the Great, Xander emerged as an independent given name in the late 20th century. The name gained significant cultural visibility through the character Xander Harris in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003). Its punchy, modern sound has made it increasingly popular as a standalone name rather than merely a nickname, particularly in the United States and the Netherlands.
How is Xander used around the world?
Xander is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Xander?
Famous People Named Xander
- Xander Schauffele — American professional golfer and Olympic gold medalist
- Xander Bogaerts — Aruban-Dutch professional baseball player
- Xander Berkeley — American actor
Similar Names to Xander
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Sibling Name Ideas for Xander
Looking for names that pair well with Xander? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Xander mean?
Xander is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Defender of the people." Xander is a short form of Alexander, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which combines "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man, people). While Alexander has been one of the most enduring names in Western civilization since the era of Alexander the Great, Xander emerged as an independent given name in the late 20th century.
How do you pronounce Xander?
Xander is pronounced ZAN-der. Common variations include Zander, Xzander, Sander.
Is Xander a boy name?
Yes, Xander is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Xan, X, Zan.