Alexander is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexandros, which means "defender of the people" or "he who has defended the people." It consists of two elements: 'alexein', meaning "to defend," and 'anER,' meaning "man." The name was popularized by Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon who conquered much of the known world in the fourth century BCE. Throughout history, the name Alexander has been associated with power, leadership, and military success. Today, it remains a popular choice for boys' names around the world.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Alexander has seen a steady increase in popularity over time in the United States. In 1986 and 1987, there were only five and six births respectively with the name Alexander. However, by 2015, this number had more than doubled to ten births.
This upward trend is evident when looking at the total number of births for the given years. From 1986 to 2015, a total of forty children were named Alexander in the United States. This indicates that while Alexander may not have been as popular decades ago, it has gained traction over time and become more commonly used.
Moreover, the fact that there was a gap between 1987 and 1995 with no recorded births for Alexander suggests that its popularity waxed and waned during this period. However, since 2013, there has been an upward trend in the number of babies named Alexander each year.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how trends in naming can change over time, with Alexander becoming increasingly popular in recent years. It is always fascinating to observe how names gain or lose favor within a society.