Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Zander

Zander is the phonetic equivalent to Xander, a short form of Alexander. Alexander is the Latin form of the Greek name “Alexandros”. The name’s meaning is interpreted from “alexein” which means “to defend” plus “andros” which translates to “man, warrior” in a relationship or possessive form. Hence the meaning: Defender of Men. The name is largely embodied by the well-known King of the Greek-influenced Macedon dating back to the 4th century BC: Alexander the Great. You’d be hard pressed to find a warrior more legendary than this man. The name was popularized in the post-Classical era throughout Europe as a common given name, and shows up several times in the New Testament. There are over 40 Christian saints that bear the name Alexander. This is one of the oldest and most successful names in human history. As such, the name gave way to scores of variations, nicknames and short forms. Xander is primarily used by the Dutch, while Zander is more typically American (English). Outside of these two nicknames, Alexander has also been shortened to Sandy (Gaelic) and Sasha (Russian).

All About the Baby Name – Zander

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ZANDER

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ZANDER

The name Zander first appeared on the U.S. male naming charts this century in the year 2000. Another example of a nickname turning into a given name in its own right, Zander joins Alex, Alec, Xander, and Sasha as other short forms that are now given independently to children. It seems that Alexander is such a timeless classic; we can’t imagine why people would want to shorten it officially on the birth certificate. You can still call your child Zander even if his formal name is Alexander. By simply using “Zander” you are essentially limiting your son’s choices later in life. We would not recommend this name as a stand-alone. It’s far too informal and cutesy by itself. Although Xander is a high ranking independently given name in Belgium (less so, but also the Netherlands), so who are we to say? We love this as a nickname but feel it rather restrictive as a given name.

Quick Facts

ON ZANDER

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

230

PRONUNCIATION:

ZAN-dәr

SIMPLE MEANING:

Defender of men

Characteristics

OF ZANDER

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Zander

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ZANDER

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Zander

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ZANDER

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Zander


Popular Songs

ON ZANDER

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Zander


Famous People

NAMED ZANDER

Zander Schloss (musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ZANDER

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Zander

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ZANDER

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Zander