Xander
Defender of the people — a boy name of Greek origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Xander
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.
Xander 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Xander
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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.
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