ALEXANDER
Alexander
Origin and Meaning Alexander is a surname of Scottish and English origin, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which means "defender of the people". The name was brought to the British Isles by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Historical Significance The surname Alexander has a rich history in the British Isles. It is believed to have been first used as a surname in Scotland in the 12th century, where it was used by families of noble lineage. The name became quite popular in England as well, especially during the medieval period.
Famous Individuals Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals with the surname Alexander. This includes Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, and Sir Harold Alexander, a distinguished British military commander during World War II.
Distribution The surname Alexander is fairly common in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in Scotland and England. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to immigration and British colonial influence.
Coat of Arms The Alexander family coat of arms typically features a shield with symbols that represent strength, protection, and loyalty. The crest may include elements such as a lion or a knight's helmet, reflecting the noble origins of the name.
Variations and Derivatives Variations of the surname Alexander include Alexandar, Alexandre, and Aleksandr. These variations can be found in different regions around the world, influenced by local languages and dialects.
Modern Usage In modern times, the surname Alexander continues to be used by many families in the United Kingdom and beyond. It is sometimes shortened to Alex as a first name, reflecting its enduring popularity and versatility.
Conclusion The surname Alexander holds a prominent place in British history and heraldry, with a legacy that spans centuries. Its noble origins and widespread distribution make it a significant part of the cultural landscape of the British Isles and beyond.
There are approximately 33,335 people named Alexander in the UK. That makes it the 234th most common surname in Britain. Around 512 in a million people in Britain are named Alexander.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Alander
- Sander
- Saunder
- Alaxander
- Aleander
- Alexande
- Ahlander
- Alcendor
- Aleksander
- Aleksandr
- Aleksandra
- Alender
- Alesander
- Alexader
- Alexand
- Alexanda
- Alexandar
- Alexanders
- Alexandersen
- Alexanderson
- Alexandersson
- Alexandor
- Alexandra
- Alexandraki
- Alexandrakis
- Alexandratos
- Alexandre
- Alexandres
- Alexandrescu
- Alexandri
- Alexandria
- Alexandrian
- Alexandrine
- Alexandrino
- Alexandris
- Alexandro
- Alexandroff
- Alexandros
- Alexandrou
- Alexandrov
- Alexandrova
- Alexandru
- Alexaner
- Alexder
- Alexender
- Alexnder
- Alexsander
- Alexzander
- Alezander
- Alixander
- Allander
- Allender
- Allexander
- Alxander
- Aleksanderek
- Aleksandrs
- Alexandroni
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.