# Alexander

/ˌæɫəɡˈzændɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alexander
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. male name

noun · CEFR A1

a common first name for a man.

For teachers: a male given name of Ancient Greek origin, meaning 'defender of men'.

- My friend Alexander goes by the nickname Alex at school.
- Alexander was a popular name in the nineteenth century, often chosen to evoke a sense of strength and classical heritage.

### 2. historical figure

noun · CEFR B1

Alexander the Great, a famous king and leader from ancient history.

For teachers: refers to Alexander III of Macedon, the ancient Greek king who created one of the largest empires in history.

- We learned about how Alexander the Great conquered many lands.
- The military tactics employed by Alexander during his Persian campaign are still studied in modern academies for their strategic brilliance.

## Examples

- My friend Alexander is coming to dinner tonight.
- The teacher called on Alexander to answer the question about the history of the city.
- While the name Alexander has been borne by numerous kings and emperors throughout history, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic and enduring name for their children.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.