Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Zander
BoyGreek, American (modern coinage)· “short for Alexander, defender of people”
- Meaning
- short for Alexander, defender of people
- Origin
- Greek, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- ZAN-der
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #397
- US babies 2025
- 804
- Best rank
- #230 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2013
Meaning and origin of Zander
Zander is a Greek and American (modern coinage) name that means “short for Alexander, defender of people”.
Zander began as a short form of Alexander, spelled the way the ending of that name is pronounced. Alexander comes from the Greek Alexandros, meaning "defender of the people," from alexein, "to defend," and aner, "man." Its most famous bearer was Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king whose conquests spread Greek culture across the ancient world. Zander has become an independent name in its own right, especially in the United States, where it appeals to parents who like the energy of the letter Z. It is short, bold and modern while keeping a classical root.
Popularity over time
Zander first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #230 in 2013, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,600 babies. In 2025, 804 babies were named Zander, and it ranked #397 nationally. That is 45% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #992 in 2000, #294 in 2010, and #397 in 2025. Of the 28,750 US boys named Zander since records began, 49% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 8,253 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cash, Reid, Corbin, Cruz, and Anderson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zander ranked highest in West Virginia, Nevada, and Oklahoma.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #182 | 11 |
| Nevada | #212 | 15 |
| Oklahoma | #281 | 18 |
| Arkansas | #303 | 12 |
| Ohio | #305 | 40 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Zander is usually pronounced ZAN-der, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with Z and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Zander
A few middle names that flow with Zander: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zander
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Lists that include Zander
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zander mean?
Zander is a Greek and American (modern coinage) name that means “short for Alexander, defender of people”.
What is the origin of the name Zander?
Zander has Greek and modern American roots. Zander began as a short form of Alexander, spelled the way the ending of that name is pronounced.
Is Zander a popular name?
Yes. Zander ranked #397 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zander a boy or girl name?
Zander is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Zander?
Zander is usually pronounced ZAN-der. 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