Origin and Meaning of Xander

Defender of the people

Origin: Greek - Xander is a shortened form of Alexander, which comes from the Greek name Alexandros, where 'alexein' means 'to defend' and 'aner' means 'man'.

• Xander gained popularity as a standalone name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
• The name has been embraced in various cultures, with Xander being used frequently in literature, film, and television.
• Notable bearers of the name include Xander Harris, a character from the popular TV series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', who is known for his humor and loyalty.
• Xander saw a notable increase in popularity during the early 2000s, having reached the top 100 names for boys in the U.S. by 2013.
• Variations of the name include Alexander (the formal version), Zander, and Sandro, each with its unique appeal.