Alexander
Alexander: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌælɪɡˈzændɚ/ · [ˌælɪɡˈzeəndɚ]
Meaning and origin of Alexander
- A male given name from Ancient Greek, most famously held by Alexander the Great.
Etymology
From Middle English Alexander, Alexandre, from Latin Alexander, from Ancient Greek Ἀλέξανδρος (Aléxandros), from ἀλέξω (aléxō, “to defend”) + ἀνδρ- (andr-), the stem of ἀνήρ (anḗr, “man”). Doublet of Alastair, Alejandro, Iskandar, Sikandar, Alessandro, and Alexandre.
How popular is Alexander?
Since 1880, 4,545 girls and 736,123 boys in the U.S. have been named Alexander (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #602 in 1988. Its highest rank for boys was #4 in 2009. In 2025 it ranked #30 for boys, with 7,244 babies given the name.
Names similar to Alexander
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek boy names
Sibling name ideas for Alexander
Sister and brother names that share Alexander's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Alexander FAQ
What does the name Alexander mean?
A male given name from Ancient Greek, most famously held by Alexander the Great. From Middle English Alexander, Alexandre, from Latin Alexander, from Ancient Greek Ἀλέξανδρος (Aléxandros), from ἀλέξω (aléxō, “to defend”) + ἀνδρ- (andr-), the stem of ἀνήρ (anḗr, “man”). Doublet of Alastair, Alejandro, Iskandar, Sikandar, Alessandro, and Alexandre.
What is the origin of the name Alexander?
Alexander is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Alexander?
Since 1880, 4,545 girls and 736,123 boys in the U.S. have been named Alexander (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #602 in 1988. Its highest rank for boys was #4 in 2009. In 2025 it ranked #30 for boys, with 7,244 babies given the name.
Is Alexander a boy or girl name?
Alexander is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 4,545 girls and 736,123 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.