Declining since 2013, #396 for boys today.
Popularity of Zander since 1915
Babies named Zander per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 9 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 288 |
| 2000s | 8,253 |
| 2010s | 14,146 |
| 2020s | 6,036 |
Meaning & origin
Zander, a modern independent form of Alexander, has firmly established itself as a standalone choice. First recorded in 1915, it climbed steadily and hit its peak in 2013. Since then, its popularity has been gradually falling, ranking 396th in 2025 with approximately 1 in 2,124 newborn boys receiving the name. Its strongest popularity is in West Virginia, Nevada, and Oklahoma. While sharing roots with classic Alexander, Zander offers a more streamlined, contemporary feel that appeals to parents seeking a name that is both familiar and distinctive.
Zander originated as a nickname for Alexander, a Greek name composed of 'alexein' (to defend) and 'aner' (man). It emerged as an independent given name in the late 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and gained more widespread use in the late 20th century.
Where Zander 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.
“Zander” around the world
Where Zander lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zan, Zandy
Variants: Xander
Sibling names for Zander
Names that share Zander's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aria, Chloe, Emma, Lila, Maya, Dasani, Zandra, Zulma, Azora, Jaleigha, Jaretzy, Jazell, Jazmynn, Kasiah, Labria, Zamaya, Zanyah, Zoelle, Dalayza, Danyka, Dezyre, Karliah, Leeandra, Zamantha, Zamariah, Zanaria, Zarielle, Zenda, Zendayah, Avaiyah, Zylie, Chalise, Chianna, Daleiza, Dazaria, Dezaria, Ithzel, Kazaria, Naileah, Rhaelynn, Taylani, Titianna, Xaylee, Xiadani, Zaily, Zakara, Zanari, Zaniyla, Zariana, Zeidy, Zelaya, Zyanne
Brothers: Carter, Jace, Liam, Owen, Wyatt, Aceson, Chozyn, Zarek, Zavien, Zed, Zyier, Zymere, Randen, Trendon, Xyleek, Zabian, Zadrian, Zannie, Zavian, Zavon, Zimri, Zymier, Zakhai, Axavier, Draxler, Jacier, Kaimir, Khamron, Lycan, Zahkai, Zamarian, Zamauri, Zee, Zerrick, Zong, Zyrion, Zyron, Zyrus
Names like Zander
Names whose popularity has moved with Zander's over the last 50 years.
