Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Xander
BoyGreek· “short for Alexander, 'defender of the people'”
- Meaning
- short for Alexander, 'defender of the people'
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- ZAN-dur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #259
- US babies 2025
- 1,335
- Best rank
- #164 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Xander
Xander is a Greek name that means “short for Alexander, 'defender of the people'”.
Xander began as a short form of Alexander, from Greek elements meaning to defend and man, usually rendered as defender of the people. Alexander has been famous since Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king whose conquests spread Greek culture across the ancient world. Pulling out the second half gives a sharper, more modern name with a striking initial X. Many English speakers first met Xander as a character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the name has grown steadily since. It works well as a full name on its own, while giving a nod to one of history's most enduring classics.
Popularity over time
Xander first appears in US Social Security records in 1990. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1999. Its best national rank was #164 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,414 babies. In 2025, 1,335 babies were named Xander, and it ranked #259 nationally. That is 31% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #929 in 2000, #253 in 2010, and #259 in 2025. Of the 40,281 US boys named Xander since records began, 48% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 10,693 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Finn, Abraham, King, Zane, and Paxton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Xander ranked highest in Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #139 | 9 |
| New Mexico | #177 | 12 |
| Nevada | #200 | 16 |
| California | #202 | 185 |
| Kentucky | #212 | 27 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Xander is usually pronounced ZAN-dur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with X and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Xander
A few middle names that flow with Xander: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Xander
Similar names
Zander Boy
ZAN-der
“short for Alexander, defender of people” · Greek
#397
Ander Boy
AHN-dur
“manly; Basque form of Andrew” · Basque
#728
Peter Boy
PEE-tur
“stone” · Greek
#187
Aster Unisex
AS-tur
“star; the aster flower” · Greek
#2,935
Hunter Boy
HUHN-tur
“hunter” · English
#130
Tyler Boy
TY-lur
“tile maker” · English
#220
Parker Unisex
PAHR-kur
“park keeper” · English
#102
Xavier Boy
ZAY-vee-ur
“the new house” · Basque
#108
Sawyer Unisex
SAW-yur
“one who saws wood” · English
#122
Ryder Boy
RY-dur
“horseman, rider” · English
#133
River Unisex
RIH-vur
“river” · English
#111
Ryker Boy
RY-kur
American (modern coinage)
#183
Lists that include Xander
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Xander mean?
Xander is a Greek name that means “short for Alexander, 'defender of the people'”.
What is the origin of the name Xander?
Xander has Greek roots. Xander began as a short form of Alexander, from Greek elements meaning to defend and man, usually rendered as defender of the people.
Is Xander a popular name?
Yes. Xander ranked #259 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Xander a boy or girl name?
Xander is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Xander?
Xander is usually pronounced ZAN-dur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings