Alexander

   

Alexander is a common male first name. Its origin is Greek and it literally means "defender of men" (from ἀλέξειν aléxein "to defend", and ἀνδρ- andr- "man"). It was one of the titles ("epithets") given to the Greek goddess Hera, who was believed to come to the aid of warriors in battle. In the Iliad, the character Paris is known also as Alexander. Albanians give the name a different translation: "Aļ ka le si ander" meaning "born like a dream."

The name's popularity was spread by the military conquests of King Alexander III of Macedon, known as Alexander the Great (a hero claimed nowadays by Greeks and Albanians, as well as Slav Macedonians).

The female version of the name is Alexandra.

Nicknames: Alex, Alec, Allie, Lex, Sander, Sandy, Sandu (Romania), Sandro (Italy), Sasha (used primarily in Russia and surrounding countries)

First names that can be interpreted as Alexander in English

The Gaelic version, Alasdair, is particularly popular in Scotland, having been carried by several early kings of the country. The alternate spellings Alistair, Allistair, Alisdair, Alastair and Alister are also used.

A number of historically significant people were named Alexander:

Monarchs

Religious leaders

Others

Places

A number of places are also associated with Alexander:

There are also numerous cities throughout the world named Alexandria

Related articles

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