Alexander
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for Alexander, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A male given name of Ancient Greek origin, most famously borne by Alexander the Great.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use Alexander
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Alexandros, "defender of men," from alexo ("to defend") + aner ("man").
Full origin of Alexander →Frequently asked questions
What does “Alexander” mean?
The word “Alexander” means a male given name of Ancient Greek origin, most famously borne by Alexander the Great. In plain terms, a classic male first name meaning "defender of men," shared by kings, saints, and a creamy after-dinner cocktail.
How do you pronounce “Alexander”?
“Alexander” is pronounced alihg-ZAHN-duh (/ˌælɪɡˈzændɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Alexander” in a sentence?
Here is “Alexander” used in a sentence: “Alexander conquered much of the known world by age thirty.”
What part of speech is “Alexander”?
Depending on how it is used, “Alexander” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Alexander” come from?
The word “Alexander” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek Alexandros, "defender of men," from alexo ("to defend") + aner ("man").
Is “Alexander” a common word?
“Alexander” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Alexander” have?
“Alexander” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name of Ancient Greek origin, most famously borne by Alexander the Great.
What does the name Alexander mean?
Alexander means 'defender of the people' or 'protector of men'. It comes from the Ancient Greek 'Alexandros', combining 'alexein', to defend, with 'aner', meaning man. This strong, protective meaning is one reason the name has stayed popular across many cultures and centuries.
What are common nicknames for Alexander?
Popular short forms include Alex, Al, Alec, Xander, and Sander. 'Sasha' is a common affectionate form in Russian and other Slavic languages. These nicknames let the same formal name feel either traditional or casual, which adds to its wide and lasting appeal.
Where does the name Alexander come from?
Alexander is of Ancient Greek origin, from 'Alexandros'. Its fame spread through Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king who built one of history's largest empires. From there the name passed into many languages and royal families, producing local forms such as Alejandro, Alessandro, and Aleksandr.