Alexander is a name of Greek origin that has been popular throughout history and across many cultures. It is derived from the Greek word "alexein," which means "to defend" or "to ward off." The second part of the name, "aner," means "man." Thus, Alexander can be translated to mean "defender of mankind."
The most famous bearer of this name is undoubtedly Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon who conquered much of the known world in the 4th century BCE. His achievements and legacy have made his name synonymous with power, ambition, and success. However, the name Alexander has been used long before and after his reign, and not just in Greece.
In Russia, Alexander is a popular name due to its use by several prominent figures throughout history, including three Tsars (Alexander I, II, and III). In Scotland, Alexander Selkirk's experiences inspired Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe. And in the United States, President William McKinley had a brother named Alexander.
Today, Alexander remains a popular name around the world. It has been used consistently throughout history, reflecting its timeless appeal. Whether as a first or middle name, Alexander carries with it a strong and powerful presence that echoes back to its ancient origins.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name Alexander in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data demonstrates a significant increase in the popularity of this name over time, particularly in recent decades.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the annual number of newborn boys named Alexander fluctuated between around 170 and 430 births per year. However, starting in the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name began to rise more significantly.
From the 1960s onwards, the number of babies named Alexander increased steadily each decade. Between 1968 and 1979, the annual count of newborn boys named Alexander doubled from around 1,700 births to nearly 3,000 births per year.
The trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the annual number of newborn boys named Alexander reaching over 10,000 births per year by the mid-1990s. Between 1985 and 2000, the popularity of the name Alexander grew by more than fivefold.
This upward trend continued into the 21st century, with Alexander peaking as one of the top ten most popular baby boy names in the United States between 2002 and 2007. Since then, its popularity has remained consistently high, with over 8,000 newborn boys named Alexander each year until 2020.
In recent years, however, there has been a slight decline in the popularity of the name Alexander. From a peak of 10,608 births in 1986 to a recent low of 7,875 births in 2023, the number of newborn boys named Alexander has decreased by approximately 25%.
Despite this recent decrease, Alexander remains one of the most popular baby boy names in the United States. As of 2023, a total of 721,180 babies have been named Alexander since 1880. This statistic highlights the enduring appeal and widespread use of this name among parents in the United States over more than a century.