Xander is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #236 in 2025 with 212 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2021 with 308 births ranking #174. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 1,283 boys born was named Xander. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Xander is a sleek modern short form of Alexander meaning defending men. It feels sharp, contemporary, and easy to use internationally.
Once more unusual, Xander rose as parents looked for fresh routes into classic names. Its strength comes from offering the depth of Alexander in a more compact form.