Alejandro is a Spanish name of Greek origin that means "defender of mankind." It is derived from the Greek word "alexein," which means "to defend," and "andros," meaning "man." The name Alejandro is associated with Alexander the Great, the ancient Macedonian king who conquered much of the known world in the 4th century BC.
The name Alejandro has been popular throughout history. It was borne by several notable figures, including Alexander the Great's father, Philip II of Macedon, who named his son after himself and his grandfather Alexander I of Epirus. The name also appears in literature, most notably as the protagonist of Alexander Pushkin's poem "Eugene Onegin" and Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations."
In Spain, Alejandro has been a popular name for centuries. It was among the top ten names for boys throughout much of the 20th century. Today, it remains one of the most common names in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
The name Alejandro is composed of two syllables and has a strong, commanding sound to it. It can be shortened to Alec or Alex, but Alejandro is often used as a full name due to its rich history and cultural significance. Overall, Alejandro is a strong and distinguished name with a long and illustrious past.
The name Alejandro has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year from 1885 to 1913.
However, starting in 1914, there was a noticeable increase in the number of Alejandro births each year. From 1914 to 1926, the annual birth count rose from 23 to 87, indicating that the name began to gain traction among parents.
The years between 1925 and 1960 saw consistent growth in the popularity of the name Alejandro. The number of births ranged from a low of 62 in 1936 to a high of 248 in 1961, demonstrating steady appeal throughout these decades.
A significant turning point came in the late 1960s and early 1970s when Alejandro's popularity surged. Between 1968 and 1975, the number of births increased from 421 to a remarkable 1,489, indicating that the name had become highly favored among new parents.
This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with Alejandro's popularity reaching record highs. The annual birth count peaked in 1993 at 3,534 births, illustrating the name's significant status during this period.
Despite a slight decline in recent years, Alejandro remains a popular choice for parents in the United States. In 2022, there were 1,825 births of boys named Alejandro, demonstrating that the name continues to be well-liked and widely chosen.
In total, over the past century, there have been 142,747 babies named Alejandro born in the United States, reflecting the enduring appeal of this name among American parents.