How to say it
ZAN · der
/ˈzæn.dər/
Masculine
Zander
Defender of the people
What it means
A short form of Alexander, from the Greek for 'defender of the people,' spelled with a Z.
Zander is Alexander trimmed to its punchy end and spelled with a Z. Alexander comes from the Greek alexein, 'to defend,' plus aner, 'man,' so 'defender of the people.' Zander feels modern and energetic on its own, and also names a kind of European fish. Xander is the X-spelling twin. Said ZAN-der.
Popularity over time
peaked at #230 in 2013, currently #397 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
- Nickname
A short form of Alexander.
- Spelling
The Z-twin of Xander.
Spelling variants
- Xander
- Sander
- Zandr
Names with the same feeling
See Zander from another angle
By meaning