Alexander
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What does the baby name Alexander mean? Learn about what Alexander means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Alexander - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Alexander
- A-L-E-X-A-N-D-E-R, is a 9-letter male given name.
- Pronunciation of Alexander
- al-əg-ZAN-dər
- ah lek ZAND ur
- Meaning of Alexander
- Defender of mankind, defender of the people, defender of man, protector of mankind.
- Origin of Alexander
- The name 'Alexander' has ancient roots and can be traced back to the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which is composed of two elements 'alexin', meaning 'to defend', and 'aner', meaning 'man'. Therefore, the name 'Alexander' can be interpreted as 'defender of men' or 'protector of mankind.'
The earliest known use of the name 'Alexander' dates back to ancient Greece. It gained prominence through the legendary figure of 'Alexander' the Great, who was a renowned military leader and ruler of the vast Macedonian Empire in the 4th century BC. His conquests and influence spread the name 'Alexander' far and wide, solidifying its place in history. - Albanian Names
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Alexander
- Al
- Alasdair
- Alastair
- Alaster
- Alcander
- Alec
- Aleik
- Alejandro
- Alejo
- Alek
- Aleksandr
- Alessandre
- Alessandro
- Alex
- Alexandre
- Alexandro
- Alexandros
- Alexei
- Alexio
- Alexis
- Alisander
- Alsandair
- Alsandare
- Ellic
- Iskander
- Leks
- Sacha
- Sander
- Sandero
- Sandor
- Sandro
- Sandy
- Sascha
- Sasha
- Saunder
- Saunders
- Sikander
- Popularity of Alexander
- Throughout history, the name 'Alexander' has experienced fluctuating levels of popularity. In ancient times, it was widely used among the Greek elite, thanks to 'Alexander' the Great's influence. However, it later fell out of favor and saw a decline in usage during the Middle Ages.
The name experienced a resurgence during the Renaissance period, as classical Greek and Roman names regained popularity. It continued to rise in prominence over the centuries, particularly in Western cultures. In recent times, the name 'Alexander' has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in many countries. - Alexander currently has 4745 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Jack is slightly more popular than Alexander.
Etymology of Alexander
As mentioned earlier, the name 'Alexander' is of Greek origin. However, it is worth noting that the Greek name Alexandros was influenced by the Persian name Iskandar, which in turn was derived from the Old Iranian name Sikandar. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of different cultures and languages throughout history.
Cultural Significance of Alexander
The name 'Alexander' holds significant cultural value in various contexts. In Greek mythology, there are several notable figures named 'Alexander', including Paris of Troy and Paris of Macedon. These characters played pivotal roles in ancient Greek legends and continue to be remembered today.
Furthermore, the name 'Alexander' holds religious significance in Christianity. Saint 'Alexander' of Alexandria, for instance, was an influential early Christian bishop who defended the orthodox teachings against heresy. His name has been revered and passed down through generations of believers.