Alexander is a highly popular boys' name in United States, ranking #13 in 2017 with 12,574 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2008 with 18,710 births ranking #6. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 30.0%. In 2017, approximately 1 in every 147 boys born was named Alexander. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.