ThinkabaraAlexander: meaning and origin
Alexander
“Defender of the people”
About the name Alexander
Alexander is a boy’s name from the Greek tradition. Its meaning is “defender of the people”. Names from ancient Greek, often tied to virtues, myths and early Christian saints — like Sophia, Theodore, Chloe and Nicholas.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean strength.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Greek names
- Alex 🧒Defender; a short form of Alexander and Alexandra · Greek
- Andrew 👦Manly, strong · Greek
- Atlas 👦The Titan who held up the sky · Greek
- Christopher 👦Bearer of Christ · Greek
- Cyrus 👦Sun; far-sighted (via Persian) · Greek
- Damian 👦To tame, subdue · Greek
- Elias 👦My God is the Lord; the Greek form of Elijah · Greek
- George 👦Farmer · Greek
- Jasper 👦Treasurer (via Persian); also the gemstone · Greek
- Leander 👦Lion-man · Greek
- Luke 👦From Lucania; one of the four Gospel writers · Greek
- Nicholas 👦Victory of the people · Greek
Sibling name ideas (Greek, girls)
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Athena 👧The Greek goddess of wisdom · Greek
- Calliope 👧Beautiful voice; the muse of poetry · Greek
- Chloe 👧Green shoot, young plant · Greek
- Cora 👧Maiden · Greek
- Daphne 👧Laurel tree · Greek
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Georgia 👧Farmer; also the US state · Greek
More boy names starting with A
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Adrian 👦From Hadria, a town near the Adriatic Sea · Latin
- Aiden 👦Little fire · Irish
- Alejandro 👦Defender of the people · Spanish
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Anders 👦Manly, strong; a form of Andrew · Scandinavian
- Andre 👦Manly, strong; the French form of Andrew · French
- Andrew 👦Manly, strong · Greek
Questions and answers
What does the name Alexander mean?
Alexander is a name of Greek origin. It means: defender of the people.
Is Alexander a boy or girl name?
Alexander is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Alexander have?
Alexander has 9 letters and about 4 syllables.
Is Alexander a popular name?
Yes. Alexander has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.