MallowbyNames

Aleksander

ah-lek-SAHN-der · Defender of men

2025 rank (boys)
#1,425
Babies named in 2025
126
Peak popularity
2014
2025 frequency
1 in 13,556 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2018

Declining since 2018, #1,425 for boys today.

Popularity of Aleksander since 1918

Babies named Aleksander per year in U.S. Social Security records.

57114171192019602000Most births 2014Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s6
1920s0
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s10
1970s46
1980s158
1990s584
2000s1,115
2010s1,480
2020s767

Meaning & origin

Aleksander is the Slavic form of Alexander, a name with deep roots in Greek antiquity. In the United States, it has been recorded since 1918, but it has never been among the most common names. As of 2025, it ranks 1425, meaning approximately 1 in 13,556 newborn boys receives the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 2014, though usage has been declining since 2018. The name is most frequently found in Illinois, New Jersey, and Indiana, reflecting regions with significant Slavic heritage communities. While it shares the meaning 'defender of men' with its English counterpart, Aleksander offers a distinct cultural flavor that appeals to families honoring Eastern European traditions.

Aleksander is the Slavic form of Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros, composed of alexein (to defend) and aner (man). The name spread through Eastern Europe via Christian saints and rulers, particularly Saint Alexander Nevsky. It has been used across Poland, Russia, and the Balkans for centuries, often associated with strength and nobility.

Where Aleksander is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Aleksander” around the world

Where Aleksander lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    10

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    11

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Aleks, Sasha, Olek

Variants: Alexander, Alexandr, Alejandro

Sibling names for Aleksander

Names that share Aleksander's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Aleksander, our favorite little boy.

A is for Aleksander…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Aleksander's letter becomes Aleksander's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Aleksander's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Aleksander mean?
Aleksander means 'defender of men' or 'defender of mankind,' derived from the Greek name Alexandros.
Is Aleksander currently popular?
Aleksander ranked 1425 in 2025, a level that suggests it is uncommon but not rare. Its peak popularity was in 2014, and usage has been declining since 2018.
Is Aleksander a boy's name or a girl's name?
Aleksander is traditionally a boy's name. It is widely used across Slavic countries and is rare for girls.