Sander
A boys’ name of Greek origin, meaning defender of men; diminutive of alexander.
Babies a year
27
the US, 2017
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
#5137
3 babies
Sander by the numbers
In 2025, 3 babies in England and Wales were named Sander. In the US, 27 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
It is used at about the same rate on both sides of the Atlantic.
Its American peak was 39 babies in 2007, making it a 2000s name.
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Sander. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
- Sandersson of Alexander; occupational surname22 in the US (2017)
- Sandordefender of men; a form of Alexander8 in the US (2017)
- Sender9 in the US (2017)
- Sawyerone who saws wood; woodcutter5,531 in the US (2017)
- Sandydefender of men; a form of Alexander105 in the US (2017)
- Sameerentertaining companion; form of Samir17 in England and Wales (2025)
Other names that mean a protector
Like Sander, each of these has a protector in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Liamresolute protector; short form of William18,764 in the US (2017)
- Williamresolute protector14,922 in the US (2017)
- Alexanderdefender of the people12,488 in the US (2017)
- Parkerkeeper of the park; park ranger5,833 in the US (2017)
- Alexisdefender, helper2,847 in the US (2017)
- Alexdefender, helper; short form of Alexander or Alexis2,766 in the US (2017)
Names about as common as Sander
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