Aleksander — Name Day, Meaning & Origin

Male Polish given name · 5170 births in 2024 (rank 4)

A Greek male name meaning "defender of men", dignified and still popular.

Pronunciation

/a.lɛk.ˈsan.dɛr/ · ah-lek-SAHN-der

Meaning

Aleksander is the Polish form of the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men" or "one who wards off enemies". The name carries a clear note of valour and protection, and has long been felt to be dignified and strong.

Origin & history

The name has Ancient Greek roots, and its fame was spread across the world by Alexander the Great, king of Macedon. With Christianity it entered Europe through the cult of saints bearing the name. In Poland it was borne by rulers, including Alexander Jagiellon, and today it again enjoys great popularity among parents.

Etymology

Composed of the Greek elements aléxein ("to defend, to ward off") and anḗr, andrós ("man"). Hence the reading "the one who defends men".

Declension (Polish cases)

Nominative	Aleksander
Genitive	Aleksandra
Dative	Aleksandrowi
Accusative	Aleksandra
Instrumental	Aleksandrem
Locative	Aleksandrze
Vocative	Aleksandrze

Name day (imieniny)

In Poland, Aleksander celebrates its name day on 26 February, 3 May, 11 August.

Diminutives

Olek, Aleks, Oleś, Olo, Aluś.

Forms in other languages

Equivalents in other languages include Alexander (English, German), Alexandre (French), Alessandro (Italian), Alejandro (Spanish) and Aleksandr or Oleksandr (Russian, Ukrainian).

Notable people named Aleksander

Aleksander Wielki — King of Macedon, one of the greatest military commanders of antiquity.

Aleksander Fredro — Polish comedy playwright, author of "The Revenge" and "Maidens' Vows".

Aleksander Kwaśniewski — President of Poland from 1995 to 2005.

Aleksander Kamiński — Educator and writer, author of "Stones for the Rampart".

Popularity

Aleksander has for years been among the most frequently given boys' names in Poland and holds a place near the top.