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.
How to spell Zander
The standard spelling is Zander. Common variants include Xander, Sander, Zandr, but Zander is the most widely used form.
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, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. 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
Common questions
- What does the name Zander mean?
- A short form of Alexander, from the Greek for 'defender of the people,' spelled with a Z.
- What does Zander mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Zander means "Defender of the people." 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.
- Is Zander short for Alexander?
- Yes. Zander is a short form of Alexander, and it carries the same meaning, "Defender of the people." These days many parents use Zander as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.
- How do you pronounce Zander?
- Zander is pronounced ˈzæn.dər. Say it as ZAN-der, with the stress on the "zan" syllable.
- How do you spell Zander?
- The standard spelling is Zander. Common spelling variants include Xander, Sander, Zandr.
- Is Zander a boy or girl name?
- Zander is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Zander?
- Zander ranked #397 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.