The nameAlexander
Alexander is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning "defender of men", made famous by Alexander the Great. It has long been a favourite in the English-speaking world.
- Boy's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Alexander comes from the Greek Alexandros, from alexein, "to defend, protect", and aner, andros, "man".
Origin
Greek. The conquests of Alexander the Great (356 to 323 BC) carried the name across the ancient world. It was borne by popes, Russian tsars and three kings of Scotland.
History
In the United States Alexander has been in the top 100 since 1977 and reached fourth place in 2009. In England and Wales it was 14th in 1996 and remains well placed.
Did you know?
- Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 thanks to a mould that appeared by chance in a culture dish.
- Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone in 1876.
- Alexander Hamilton appears on the ten dollar bill and inspired the 2015 Broadway musical Hamilton.
Famous people named Alexander
- Alexander the Great, king of Macedon
- Alexander Hamilton, American founding father
- Alexander Graham Bell, inventor
- Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin
- Alexander Pope, poet
Popularity of the name Alexander
Alexander in the United States
Alexander was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 185,404 births over the decade, 25% of all recorded babies named Alexander. Its rise began around 1970, and it peaked in 1993. Half of all babies named Alexander in the United States were born before 1999. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 8,782 births a year on average, against 12,828 in the five years before.
Alexander in the United Kingdom
Alexander was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 35,680 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Alexander. Half of all babies named Alexander in the United Kingdom were born before 2008, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,773 births a year on average, against 2,719 in the five years before.
Alexander in Ireland
Alexander in France
Alexander in Belgium
Alexander in Switzerland
Alexander in Austria
Alexander in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Alexander
Names from the same generation as Alexander, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Alexander? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Alexander with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Alexander side by side with the name of your choice.
Alexander in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alexander mean?
Alexander comes from the Greek Alexandros, from alexein, "to defend, protect", and aner, andros, "man".
What is the origin of the name Alexander?
Greek. The conquests of Alexander the Great (356 to 323 BC) carried the name across the ancient world. It was borne by popes, Russian tsars and three kings of Scotland.
Is Alexander a girl's or a boy's name?
Alexander is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Alexander?
In 2024, Alexander was the 27th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 7,517 births.
What are the variants of the name Alexander?
Variants and related names of Alexander include Alec, Aleksa, Alex, Alexa, Alexane, Alistair, Lisandru and Sacha.
What are good sibling names for Alexander?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Chloe, Abigail, Melanie and Elizabeth for a sister, Angel, Luke, Caleb and Ethan for a brother.
Who are famous people named Alexander?
Alexander the Great, king of Macedon; Alexander Hamilton, American founding father; Alexander Graham Bell, inventor; Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin.