Origin and Meaning of Sander

Defender of mankind

Origin: Dutch - Sander is derived from the name Alexander, which comes from the Greek name Alexandros, composed of 'alexein', meaning 'to defend' and 'aner', meaning 'man'.

• Sander is common in the Netherlands and Belgium and is often used as a diminutive form of Alexander.
• The name Sander gained popularity in various European countries, particularly in Germany and the Scandinavian region, where it has been embraced as a standalone name.
• Notable bearers include Dutch footballer Sander Boschker and Dutch politician Sander Dekker.
• In the Netherlands, Sander has enjoyed significant popularity, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, and it continues to be a popular name choice today.
• Variations of Sander include Zander, a more modern spelling variant, and the related names Alexander and Alejandro.