Alexander is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexandros, which is composed of the elements 'alexein' meaning "to defend" or "to ward off" and 'andros' meaning "man". The name Alexander has been popular throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures.
One of the most famous bearers of this name was Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), a Macedonian king who created one of the largest empires in ancient history through his conquests. His legacy has had a significant impact on the spread of Greek culture and language, as well as the establishment of the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
The name Alexander has also been popular among royalty throughout history, with several kings and princes bearing this name. Some notable examples include Alexander III of Scotland (1241-1286), Alexander Neville, Archbishop of York (1345-1420), and Tsar Alexander II of Russia (1818-1881).
In literature, the name Alexander has been used by several authors, including William Shakespeare in his play "Alexander and Cleopatra" and Leo Tolstoy in his novel "War and Peace". The name has also appeared in numerous works of art and culture throughout history.
Today, Alexander continues to be a popular choice for boys' names around the world. Its meaning of "defending man" or "warding off man" gives it a strong and powerful connotation, while its historical associations give it an air of nobility and prestige. Whether you're looking for a name with deep historical roots or one that simply has a nice sound to it, Alexander is a timeless choice that's sure to please.
"The name Aleksandr experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a notable spike starting in the mid-1990s. Between 1990 and 2002, the number of annual births with the name Aleksandr more than quadrupled, reaching its peak in 2001 with 52 births. Since then, while the popularity has somewhat decreased, it has remained consistently high, with over 30 births per year up until 2022."