How to say it
XAN · der
ˈzæn.dər
Masculine
Xander
Defender of the people
What it means
A short form of Alexander, from Greek alexein ('to defend') plus anēr ('man'). The clipped end that struck out on its own.
Xander is the back half of Alexander (Greek Alexandros, 'defender of men') promoted to a full name. The X spelling is the modern, punchier choice next to the older Zander or Sander. Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Xander Harris put it on American radar in the late 1990s, and it has climbed steadily since as parents look for a fresh way into the Alexander family.
How to spell Xander
The standard spelling is Xander. Common variants include Zander, Xzander, Sander, but Xander is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #164 in 2017, currently #259 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
- Spelling
Xander and Zander sound identical; the X reads more deliberate, the Z more phonetic.
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.
- Xander Harris core friend in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Xander Schauffele American professional golfer
- Xander Bogaerts MLB shortstop
Spelling variants
- Zander
- Xzander
- Sander
Names with the same feeling
See Xander from another angle
By meaning
Common questions
- What does the name Xander mean?
- A short form of Alexander, from Greek alexein ('to defend') plus anēr ('man'). The clipped end that struck out on its own.
- What does Xander mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Xander means "Defender of the people." Xander is the back half of Alexander (Greek Alexandros, 'defender of men') promoted to a full name. The X spelling is the modern, punchier choice next to the older Zander or Sander. Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Xander Harris put it on American radar in the late 1990s, and it has climbed steadily since as parents look for a fresh way into the Alexander family.
- Is Xander short for Alexander?
- Yes. Xander is a short form of Alexander, and it carries the same meaning, "Defender of the people." These days many parents use Xander as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.
- How do you pronounce Xander?
- Xander is pronounced ˈzæn.dər. Say it as XAN-der, with the stress on the "xan" syllable.
- How do you spell Xander?
- The standard spelling is Xander. Common spelling variants include Zander, Xzander, Sander.
- Is Xander a boy or girl name?
- Xander is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Xander?
- Xander ranked #259 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.