Alexander is a name of Greek origin that has been used throughout history and across different cultures. It is derived from the Greek word "alexein," which means "to defend" or "to protect." The second part of the name, "ander," comes from the Greek word "anēr," meaning "man."
The most famous Alexander was Alexander the Great, who was a king of Macedon and one of history's greatest conquerors. He lived from 356 BCE to 323 BCE and by the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from Greece to Egypt to India.
The name Alexander has been popular throughout history and continues to be used today. In medieval Europe, it was often associated with royalty or nobility due to its use by historical figures such as Alexander III of Scotland and Alexander Neville, Archbishop of York. In more recent times, notable people named Alexander include Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone; Alexander McQueen, a famous fashion designer; and Alexander Skarsgård, a Swedish actor.
Overall, Alexander is a strong and regal name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as it signifies someone who is brave, courageous, and protective.
The name Alexander has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades. From 1987 to 2023, there have been a total of 198 babies named Alexander born annually, with peaks occurring most recently in 2011 (16 births) and 2013 (16 births), suggesting that the name's popularity has been consistently strong throughout this period.