Alexander is a name of Greek origin that means "defender of the people." It is derived from the Greek elements "alexein," which means "to defend or ward off," and "anēr," meaning "man." The name Alexander has been popular throughout history, with some of the most notable bearers being Alexander the Great, who was a king of Macedon in ancient Greece, and Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
The name Alexander has also been used by several royalty and nobility throughout history. In fact, it is still popular among royal families today, with Prince William and Kate Middleton naming their eldest son Prince George Alexander Louis.
In literature and pop culture, Alexander has been featured prominently in many works, including the novel "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow, which inspired the hit musical "Hamilton." Additionally, the name Alexander has been used in numerous films and television shows, such as "Alexander" starring Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie, and the animated series "The Magic School Bus."
Overall, Alexander is a strong and powerful name with a rich history that continues to be popular today. Its meaning of "defender of the people" makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
The name Alexander experienced a notable increase in popularity between 1989 and 1999, with the number of births nearly doubling during this period. However, there was a decline in its usage from 1992 to 1999, as it took eight years for the annual birth count to reach ten after being consistently at five.