Skip to main content

Updated February 8, 2024

Table of contents

Boy name origins & meanings

  • Greek : Protector of mankind

What does Xander mean and stand for?

The name Xander is of Greek origin and means "protector of mankind." It is a diminutive of Alexander, which is made up of the Greek roots aléxein, meaning “to defend,” and andros, meaning “men.”

Syllables: 2

How Popular Is The Name Xander

Family name origins & meanings

  • German : from a short form of the personal name Alexander.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Xander up and down for the past five years, It was on a steady upward trend, breaking the top 200 in 2017. Though it's fluctuated since, it's managed to stay in the top 200.

However, it is the 4th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Xander was at its peak popularity in January 2017.

Xander is an alternative spelling to Zander, and the two are pronounced exactly the same. It first saw the spotlight with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and later when Mad Men star January Jones chose it for her son. For the most part, it is still used as a nickname for Alexander, but it's slowly making a name for itself.

Where is it Popular?

Xander was searched for most often in the following states:

Nicknames for Zander

  • Xan

Pairs well with these middle names

 

Subscribe to Family Education

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe