How to say it
a · le · JAN · dro
ˌɑ.lɛˈhɑn.droʊ
Masculine
Alejandro
Defender of people
What it means
Spanish form of Alexander, from Greek Alexandros (alexein 'to defend' + anēr 'man'). The dominant masculine name across Spanish-speaking countries; Alejandro González Iñárritu the filmmaker is the modern English-language anchor.
Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, both from the Greek Alexandros. The Spanish J is pronounced as an aspirated H, giving the name its distinctive sound. Alejandro González Iñárritu (the Mexican filmmaker, Birdman and The Revenant, two-time Best Director Oscar) is the strongest English-language anchor. Alejandro Sanz the singer and Alejandro Magno (Spanish for Alexander the Great) cover other ground. The English-speaking US has used Alejandro in earnest since the 1980s with broader Latino-name adoption. It's been in the US top 200 since 1990. Common shorts: Alex, Ale, Jandro.
How to spell Alejandro
The standard spelling is Alejandro. Common variants include Alexander, Alessandro, but Alejandro is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #88 in 1999, currently #195 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pronunciation
ah-leh-HAHN-droh in Spanish, four syllables. The J is aspirated H, not a J sound.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Alejandro González Iñárritu Mexican filmmaker, two Best Director Oscars for Birdman and The Revenant
- Alejandro Sanz Spanish singer, Corazón Partío
Spelling variants
- Alexander
- Alessandro
Names with the same feeling
See Alejandro from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Alejandro mean?
- Spanish form of Alexander, from Greek Alexandros (alexein 'to defend' + anēr 'man'). The dominant masculine name across Spanish-speaking countries; Alejandro González Iñárritu the filmmaker is the modern English-language anchor.
- What does Alejandro mean in Spanish?
- In Spanish, Alejandro means "Defender of people." Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, both from the Greek Alexandros. The Spanish J is pronounced as an aspirated H, giving the name its distinctive sound. Alejandro González Iñárritu (the Mexican filmmaker, Birdman and The Revenant, two-time Best Director Oscar) is the strongest English-language anchor. Alejandro Sanz the singer and Alejandro Magno (Spanish for Alexander the Great) cover other ground. The English-speaking US has used Alejandro in earnest since the 1980s with broader Latino-name adoption. It's been in the US top 200 since 1990. Common shorts: Alex, Ale, Jandro.
- How do you pronounce Alejandro?
- Alejandro is pronounced ˌɑ.lɛˈhɑn.droʊ. Say it as a-le-JAN-dro, with the stress on the "jan" syllable.
- How do you spell Alejandro?
- The standard spelling is Alejandro. Common spelling variants include Alexander, Alessandro.
- Is Alejandro a boy or girl name?
- Alejandro is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Alejandro?
- Alejandro ranked #195 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.