Declining since 2018, #259 for boys today.
Popularity of Xander since 1990
Babies named Xander per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 362 |
| 2000s | 9,909 |
| 2010s | 19,317 |
| 2020s | 10,693 |
Meaning & origin
Xander, a modern diminutive of Alexander, has carved out its own identity since first appearing in U.S. birth records in 1990. The name reached its peak popularity in 2017, when it was a trendy choice for parents seeking a name that felt both familiar and fresh. Since 2018, however, it has been on a gradual decline, reflecting shifting tastes away from diminutives as full given names. In 2025, Xander ranked 259th, with about 1 in 1,279 boys receiving the name. Geographically, it has shown particular favor in Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Nevada. The name's trajectory mirrors that of other shortened classics, like Max and Sam, which similarly rose and then eased in use. Despite the recent dip, Xander remains a recognizable and well-liked choice, buoyed by its strong etymological roots and contemporary feel.
Xander originated as a diminutive of Alexander, a Greek name derived from 'alexein' (to defend) and 'aner' (man). It emerged as an independent given name in the late 20th century, gaining prominence in the United States during the 1990s. The name has been popularized by characters in television and film, though its use as a standalone name predates these cultural references.
Where Xander is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Xander” around the world
Where Xander lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
New Zealand
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: X, Zan
Sibling names for Xander
Names that share Xander's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aria, Piper, Zoey, Maya, Lila, Kassandra, Roxana, Thalia, Cleopatra, Zaniah, Zenia, Alandria, Lizandra, Xandria, Xara, Xaria, Xavia, Xiana, Xylah, Zandria, Zenovia, Zoria, Leandria, Lissandra, Marixa, Xayla, Xela, Xianna, Xiara, Xuri, Xylina, Danari, Kahri, Sanora, Xaila, Xalia, Xalori, Xana, Xariyah, Xenovia, Xoie, Xya, Xylie, Yalexa, Yexalen, Zeniya
Brothers: Ezra, Milo, Caleb, Oliver, Leo, Zavier, Evander, Syrus, Yerik, Xadrian, Xane, Xzavian, Zedrick, Zyhir, Daryus, Exzavier, Kypton, Mylez, Xavius, Xyaire, Xylan, Xyler, Xzavior, Yetzael, Zarius, Zayvien, Zylon, Eryx, Xachary, Xaire, Xamir, Xavious, Xxavier, Xzayvier, Zavi, Zyrie, Zyrion
Names like Xander
Names whose popularity has moved with Xander's over the last 50 years.
