Alexander is a popular male given name of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexandros. The name consists of two elements: 'alexein', which means 'to defend' or 'to protect', and 'andros', meaning 'man'. Therefore, Alexander's meaning can be translated as 'defender of mankind'.
The name gained widespread popularity due to its association with the ancient Macedonian king Alexander the Great (356-323 BC). Born Alexander III, he was a renowned conqueror who established one of the largest empires in history. His accomplishments and legacy have made him an iconic figure throughout history, contributing to the enduring appeal of the name Alexander.
Throughout time, the name Alexander has been bestowed upon numerous notable individuals, including Russian emperors, explorers, writers, and artists. In Russia specifically, Alexander is one of the most popular male names, with variants such as Sasha, Alec, Alessandro, and Alejandro being used in various countries around the world.
In literature, Alexander appears in works like Charles Dickens' "Bleak House" and in the Bible as one of the four blacksmiths who forged the nails used for crucifixion. In mythology, Alexander was also associated with the legendary hero Paris of Troy.
While the name Alexander has a strong historical presence and significant meaning, it remains popular today due to its classic sound and timeless appeal. It is often chosen by parents looking for a traditional yet memorable name for their sons.
Alexandr is a unique and distinctive name that has been given to a significant number of babies born in the United States each year, with a total of 301 births recorded in 1989 alone. This indicates that Alexandr was quite popular among parents during this particular period, as it was the birth name for approximately one out of every 4,576 babies born that year. While this figure is certainly not among the most common names given to newborns in 1989, it still represents a notable and noteworthy number of individuals sharing the same first name.