Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name 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.

All About the Baby Name – Alexander

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ALEXANDER

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ALEXANDER

The name Alexander has maintained a Top 200 spot in terms of popularity for boys in the United States consistently in the past 130 years. It lost a little bit of footing between the 1920’s and the mid-1970’s, but then it gradually came back into power, hovering in the #20 spot until 2008 when it shot into the Top 10. There are many derivations and nicknames for the age-old name of Alexander which probably enhances its popularity, such as Alex, Xander, and even Sandy (Gaelic pet form) and Sasha (Russian). The popularity of this name also knows no gender boundaries, as the female version (Alexandra) has averaged #37 in popularity for the past 20 years. However, the male version maintains a more favorable position, probably due to the masculine attributes of the name which conveys a warrior-like image: brave, defender, lordly and valiant.

Quick Facts

ON ALEXANDER

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Greek

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

8

PRONUNCIATION:

al-ik-ZAN-dur

SIMPLE MEANING:

Defender of Men, Warrior

Characteristics

OF ALEXANDER

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Alexander

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ALEXANDER

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ALEXANDER

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Alexander


Popular Songs

ON ALEXANDER

Alexander the Medium
a song by Jefferson Airplane

Alexander's Ragtime Band
a song by Irving Berlin

Alexander the Great
a song by Iron Maiden

Famous People

NAMED ALEXANDER

Alexander Graham Bell (inventor)
Alexander Fleming (medicine)
Alexander the Great (legendary military general)
Alexander Haig (politician)
Alexander Graham Bell (inventor)
Alexander Fleming (medicine)
Alexander the Great (legendary military general)
Alexander Haig (politician)
Alexander Graham Bell (inventor)
Alexander Fleming (medicine)
Alexander the Great (legendary military general)
Alexander Haig (politician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ALEXANDER

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ALEXANDER

Alexander Hamilton is an important figure in United States history. After fighting in the Revolutionary War, not only did Hamilton go on to be one of our Founding Fathers, but he was also the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Fittingly, his face appears on our $10 bill. True to his name "Alexander", he was a patriot, a soldier and a statesman. A blunt, practical man, he also had a temper which ultimately led to his dual with Aaron Burr and his subsequent death.

It's been said that Alexander's father spoke these words: "My son, seek thee out a kingdom equal to thyself; Macedonia has not room for thee." Clearly, that's what Alexander went out to accomplish; and indeed, he did! By all accounts, Alexander is considered one of the greatest military generals of all time. During 12 years of epic battles, Alexander's empire spread from Greece to the Himalayas in northern India down to North Africa. His brief glory days were short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 32. Alexander the Great was a contemporary of the early days of the Roman Empire. He was revered as an icon by the Roman Emperors who sought to emulate his success and legacy. It has been said that even Julius Caesar was jealous of Alexander the Great's accomplishments.

Alexander Hamilton is an important figure in United States history. After fighting in the Revolutionary War, not only did Hamilton go on to be one of our Founding Fathers, but he was also the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Fittingly, his face appears on our $10 bill. True to his name "Alexander", he was a patriot, a soldier and a statesman. A blunt, practical man, he also had a temper which ultimately led to his dual with Aaron Burr and his subsequent death.

It's been said that Alexander's father spoke these words: "My son, seek thee out a kingdom equal to thyself; Macedonia has not room for thee." Clearly, that's what Alexander went out to accomplish; and indeed, he did! By all accounts, Alexander is considered one of the greatest military generals of all time. During 12 years of epic battles, Alexander's empire spread from Greece to the Himalayas in northern India down to North Africa. His brief glory days were short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 32. Alexander the Great was a contemporary of the early days of the Roman Empire. He was revered as an icon by the Roman Emperors who sought to emulate his success and legacy. It has been said that even Julius Caesar was jealous of Alexander the Great's accomplishments.

All “Alex” names are essentially descended from this man, so we felt it was appropriate to include him as a historical figure under the name Alexandria. It's been said that Alexander's father spoke these words: "My son, seek thee out a kingdom equal to thyself; Macedonia has not room for thee." Clearly, that's what Alexander went out to accomplish; and indeed, he did! By all accounts, Alexander is considered one of the greatest military generals of all time. During 12 years of epic battles, Alexander's empire spread from Greece to the Himalayas in northern India down to North Africa. His brief glory days were short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 32. Alexander the Great was a contemporary of the early days of the Roman Empire. He was revered as an icon by the Roman Emperors who sought to emulate his success and legacy. It has been said that even Julius Caesar was jealous of Alexander the Great's accomplishments.

Alexander Hamilton is an important figure in United States history. After fighting in the Revolutionary War, not only did Hamilton go on to be one of our Founding Fathers, but he was also the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Fittingly, his face appears on our $10 bill. True to his name "Alexander", he was a patriot, a soldier and a statesman. A blunt, practical man, he also had a temper which ultimately led to his dual with Aaron Burr and his subsequent death.

It's been said that Alexander's father spoke these words: "My son, seek thee out a kingdom equal to thyself; Macedonia has not room for thee." Clearly, that's what Alexander went out to accomplish; and indeed, he did! By all accounts, Alexander is considered one of the greatest military generals of all time. During 12 years of epic battles, Alexander's empire spread from Greece to the Himalayas in northern India down to North Africa. His brief glory days were short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 32. Alexander the Great was a contemporary of the early days of the Roman Republic. He was revered as an icon by the Roman Emperors who sought to emulate his success and legacy. It has been said that even Julius Caesar was jealous of Alexander the Great's accomplishments.