Xander
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Defender of the people
Origin: Greek
Popularity: Ranked #259 in 2025 with 1,335 babies born.
History: Xander is a short form of Alexander, from the Greek 'Alexandros,' combining 'alexein' (to defend) and 'aner' (man). It has been used as a standalone name in Dutch-speaking countries for centuries. It gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century, partly through the character Xander Harris in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Xander? About 1 in 2,493 babies born in 2025 were named Xander, or roughly 3.7 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Xander
What does the name Xander mean?
Xander means “Defender of the people” from Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Xander?
Xander has Greek origin. The traditional meaning is “Defender of the people”.
How popular is Xander?
Xander ranked #259 in 2025 — given to 1,335 babies that year.
When was Xander most popular?
Xander peaked in 2017 with 2,413 babies registered that year.
Is Xander a boy or girl name?
Xander is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Xanders in registered births are male.
Is the name Xander rising or falling in popularity?
Xander has risen 12524 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #12783 in 2020 to #259 in 2025.
How long has Xander been recorded?
Xander appears in birth records across 36 years — from 1990 through 2025.