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Alexandru Boy

Popularity: #919 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-lek-SAN-droo /ˌæl.ɪkˈsæn.druː/

Origin: Greek; Romanian

Meaning: Greek: defender of men; Romanian: variant of Alexander

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alexandru is of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexandros, which means "defender of men" or "protector of mankind." The etymological components include "alexein," meaning "to defend," and "aner," meaning "man." This name was adopted into Latin as Alexander, which subsequently influenced various languages, including Romanian, where it evolved into Alexandru. The transition into English occurred through the Latin form, particularly during the medieval period, when the name became widely recognized due to its association with historical figures.

One of the most notable historical milestones associated with the name is Alexander the Great, who reigned in the 4th century BCE and is famed for his vast empire and military conquests. His legacy significantly contributed to the name's prominence across cultures and languages.

Additionally, the name appears in various forms in Christian tradition, notably through Saint Alexander of Alexandria, a prominent figure in the early Christian church during the 4th century CE. The name's enduring presence in religious texts and historical accounts has solidified its significance in various cultures.

Culturally, the name Alexandru carries connotations of strength and leadership, often associated with heroic and noble qualities. In Romanian culture, it is a traditional name that reflects a sense of heritage and historical pride.

The diminutive form, Alex, is also commonly used, though it is more modern and less tied to the historical roots of the name. Overall, Alexandru embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural resonance, making it a name with deep historical significance.

Famous people named Alexandru

Alexandru Ioan Cuza was a ruler best known for unifying the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia into modern Romania.
Alexandru Dumas is a writer best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and The Man in the Iron Mask.
Alexandru Ciorănescu was a linguist and philologist best known for his work on Romanian language and literature.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alexandru was first seen in the United States in 1981. Alexandru has ranked as high as #1349 nationally, which occurred in 2006, and has been most popular in Illinois, California, Florida, Michigan, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Alexandru has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alexandru (2020)

State Births Share
IL 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19815
19895
19915
19928
19937
19955
19965
199710
199817
199913
200016
200122
200218
200320
200426
200522
200634
200733
200820
200932
201018
201128
201226
201321
201433
201526
201620
201721
201821
201917
202013
202112
20228
20238
20245