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.
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–present. 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
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