Both classic and trendy, Alexander comes from the Latin form of the Greek Alexandros, which breaks down into “to defend” (alexo) and “man/warrior” (ander). The meaning is pretty perfect for the name’s most famous bearer -- Alexander the Great, the fourth century B.C. king and conqueror from Macedonia who spread his Greek empire from Asia Minor to Egypt and India. Since then, the name’s been pretty popular -- it’s been used by tons of popes, emperors, kings, and other rulers and has variations in just about every language. In the US, it was mildly popular at the end of the nineteenth century, then took a dip until the ’70s and has been in the top 25 since ’92. Right now, it’s as popular as ever. There are tons of nickname options beyond the obvious Alex -- Xander, Sasha, Alek, and so on -- though you can’t really go wrong with the original. Despite its popularity, Alex has retained its classic but slightly edgy appeal, thanks in part to the trendy “x” ending. Not a bad choice at all.
Add comment:
So masculine, elegant, sophisticated, classic, beautiful, strong and solid. Alexander will always be on my list!
by vikkistaranother nickname for alexander could be Xander (Zander)
by christmasangel9009i like Alexander Lee. But, my fiancee is not that fond of Alexander. He said that he doesn't want our son getting stuck with the nickname 'Alex'. Does anyone know of any other nicknames that are not too wild?
by ToxinSmokeMy son is Alexander James Dean! I love the name Alexander!
by LeahHart26we are thinking of maybe Alexander Michael for a boy.
by fwidodeeLove Alexander Pruitt.
by GEC.2004If it's a boy we're thinking Alexander Reid. Reid is for my father who died when I was 4.
by abrowne103My husband and I both like Zach & Alex so I am thinking Zachary Alexander (Zach Alexander)
by ROLLLINHARDMy son's name is Alexander Joseph! We call him Alex.
by MissRedEorNotIf we have a son, it will be Alexander. This is my madien name and we both like the name for a son.
by vla00300If it's a boy we are naming him Alexander James II after my fiance. [:
by ashotofgenAlexander James we will call him Alex or Xander not into the inital thing
by winterserenaWe are doing Alexander Joshua. We are doing (Alex/AJ) as nick names as well.
by LindseyCayeWe are naming our 2nd baby (if its a boy) Alexander Randall.
by missy1dannyalexander john (alex / A.J.) is our first choice :)
by JenR33We are naming our newest baby boy Alexander (Xander) Hudson. We thought it was pretty solid sounding and Hudson is my Grandfather's middle name, so everyone is happy.
by abmaddox1981My husband and I are tossing around Alexander Kenneth
by emily-rebekahWe're pretty much decided on Alexander at this point, just found out it's a boy! But I'm not sure what to use as a middle name... any suggestions?
by prifrancesWe our having our first boy, already have two girls, and we are naming him Declan Alexander. We tossed Alexander around as a first name, but I have a nephew named Alec and it is just too close to the shortened version Alex.
by redhead1026If we are having a boy we are thinking about naming him Noah Alexander or Liam Alexander. It is a tough pick!
by Eremiths GirlIf we have a boy this will be the second first name.We are going to give our kids two first names a middle and a last of cource .Haha.
by Killerbee5577were naming our baby troy alexander
by chamblin8838We are naming our son Jake Alexander.
by selener232my sone is named this but spelled different aleczander i call him zander.
by aleczandersmommythis is what we're naming our baby boy! Alexannder Patrick
by cynicstarrIf my baby is a boy, Im pickin' this name :)
by BrokenDreamerJ22love it
by isabelmcordova >> View all comments >> Collapse