Alexander is a highly popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #40 in 2025 with 1,271 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 4,840 births ranking #14. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 73.7%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 214 boys born was named Alexander. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Alexander is a major classical name meaning "defender of men". It has strength, history, and remarkable international reach, which is why it has stayed popular for so long.
The name was made famous by Alexander the Great and spread widely throughout Europe and beyond. It later became a royal, saintly, and literary staple in many languages.