Alexander

The name Alexander can be briefly translated as 'the protector'. It is the Latin variant of the Greek name Alexandros, which is composed of the Ancient Greek terms alexein for 'to ward off, protect, defend' and aner (genitive andros) for 'man, human'.

What does the name Alexander mean?

The translation of the name Alexander is 'the protector'. It is the Latin form of the Greek name Alexandros and is composed of the Ancient Greek words alexein, meaning 'to ward off, protect, defend', and aner (genitive andros), meaning 'man, human'. A more precise translation could be 'the man-warding' or 'the one who wards off (foreign) men'. Occasionally, the name is also interpreted as 'protector of humanity' or 'protector of men'. Alexander is a historically significant name borne by many kings, popes, and tsars, including 'Alexander the Great'. In Germany, it has been consistently among the most popular names for boys since the 1960s. Additionally, the short form Alex is increasingly used as an independent first name, reflecting the general trend towards shorter names.

Where does the name Alexander come from?

The term Alexander is a Latin form of the Greek name Alexandros (Ἀλέξανδρος). It is composed of the Ancient Greek words 'alexein', which means 'to ward off, protect, defend', and 'aner' (genitive 'andros'), which means 'man, human'.

How do you pronounce Alexander?

The pronunciation of the name Alexander is multi-syllabic and clearly structured. In the German language, it is usually pronounced as 'A-le-xan-der' [alɛˈksandɐ], with the stressed syllable 'xan' occupying the phonetic center. The consonant combination '-ks' gives the name a distinctive note, while the gentle ending on '-der' provides a harmonious conclusion. Alexander exudes strength and classicism - he is sovereign, present, and timeless.

When is the name day of Alexander?

The name days for Alexander are February 26, May 3, and July 10.

Popularity

The first name Alexander has a long history in the German-speaking world, dating back to the Middle Ages. In Germany, it appeared in statistics from the mid-1920s, initially ranking between 80 and 120. In the 1930s and 1940s, it was mostly found among the top 100, but not yet among the most frequently given names.

Nicknames & pet names

Aca / Aderdurex / Ahlyy / Al / Ala / Ale / Alec / Aleci / Alecsi / Alee / Alejandro / Alek / Aleks / Aleksi / Alex / Alexandar / Alexander / Alexanderi / Alexandr / Alexeij / Alexhaar / Alexi / AlexiBexi / Alexis / Alexius / Alexiuz / Alexsandor / Alexus / Alexusaurus / Alexy / Aley / Ali / Alix / Aljoscha / Alli / Ander / Asik / Axel / Axelander / Axi / Axl / Babo / Clex / Ex / Lex / Lexa / Lexan / Lexander / Lexchen / Lexi / Lexle / Lexo / Lexus / Lexy / Läyxän / Ollecks / Pander / Sander / Sandi / Sandor / Sanja / Sascha / Saschel / Saschka / Sasha / Schurik / Staubii / Tzander / Tzandi / Tzando / Tzandy / Xale / Xan / Xand / Xandalf / Xande / Xander / Xandi / Xindy / Zanda / Zander / Zandi

Similar first names

Alexej, Aljoscha, Axel

Famous people

• Alexander "Alec" Gideon Lightwood (character from "The Mortal Instruments")
• Alexander "Alex" Brandt (fictional character (Alarm für Cobra11))
• Alexander "Alex" Hofmann (former German motorcycle racer)
• Alexander Barta (ice hockey player)
• Alexander Baumjohann (football player)
• Alexander Becht (German actor)
• Alexander Bittroff (German footballer)
• Alexander Blok (Russian writer)
• Alexander Bommes (former German handball player and television presenter (e.g. "Gefragt- Gejagt"))
• Alexander Caspary (German footballer)
• Alexander David Turner (rockstar/lead singer of Arctic Monkeys)
• Alexander the Great (king of the Macedonians)
• Alexander the Lion (in the film Madagascar)
• Alexander Erik Hubertus Bertil (Prince of Sweden, Duke of Södermanland)
• Alexander Fehling (German actor)
• Alexander Fleming (discoverer of penicillin)
• Alexander Frei (footballer at Borussia Dortmund)
• Alexander Gaudino (musician and DJ)
• Alexander Geljewitch Dugin (philosopher/politician/political advisor)
• Alexander Gerst (German astronaut)