Holding steady, #2,991 for boys today.
Popularity of Sander since 1912
Babies named Sander per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 45 |
| 1920s | 87 |
| 1930s | 93 |
| 1940s | 106 |
| 1950s | 99 |
| 1960s | 124 |
| 1970s | 67 |
| 1980s | 79 |
| 1990s | 118 |
| 2000s | 273 |
| 2010s | 267 |
| 2020s | 230 |
Meaning & origin
Sander is a concise, strong name with deep roots in Scandinavian and Dutch naming traditions. Derived from the ancient Greek Alexander, it has functioned as both a nickname and an independent given name for over a century. The U.S. Social Security data shows Sander first recorded in 1912, with its peak popularity occurring in 2020. In 2025, it ranked 2991st, with an incidence of 1 in 41,660 births, indicating a stable but uncommon usage. The name is most popular in Florida, California, and Texas. Its trajectory remains steady, neither surging nor declining sharply, reflecting its consistent appeal among families seeking a traditional yet understated choice.
Sander is a short form of Alexander, derived from the Greek name Alexandros (Ἀλέξανδρος), meaning 'defender of men.' It has been used as an independent given name in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Estonia since at least the 19th century. In Dutch and Scandinavian contexts, Sander is a common standalone name, while in English it is occasionally used as a nickname for Alexander.
Where Sander is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sand, Sandy
Variants: Sándor, Sandor
Sibling names for Sander
Names that share Sander's style, for a brother or sister.
