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Alejandro

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-lay-HAN-droh /ˌa.leɪˈxan.dɾo/High

Meaning: Defender of the people; Spanish form of Alexander, from Greek AlexandrosHigh

In 30 seconds: The magnificent Spanish form of Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people.' Royal, heroic, and melodic, it's one of the great names of the Spanish-speaking world — and of pop music.
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Origin HighGreek, Spanish
MeaningDefender of the people; Spanish form of Alexander, from Greek Alexandros
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 131,397

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200118852017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, which derives from the Greek Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros), composed of alexein ('to defend') and aner/andros ('man, people'). The name was made legendary by Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE), who conquered much of the known world. The Spanish form Alejandro has been used throughout the Hispanic world for centuries.

Alejandro has been a top-100 U.S. boys' name for many years, driven by the large Hispanic population. Its four-syllable grandeur gives it a regal character that shorter names lack. The diminutive Alex is commonly used day-to-day. Lady Gaga's 2010 single Alejandro gave it an added pop-culture boost.

Did you know? Lady Gaga's hit single Alejandro (2010) brought the name to global attention outside the Spanish-speaking world, giving it a catchy pop-culture resonance.

Variations

AlexanderAlessandroAlexandreAleksander

Nicknames

AlexAleJandroSandro

Famous Bearers

  • ★Alejandro González Iñárritu (b. 1963)
    Mexican film director, five-time Academy Award winner for <em>Birdman</em> and <em>The Revenant</em>.
  • ★Alejandro Sanz (b. 1968)
    Spanish singer-songwriter and multiple Latin Grammy Award winner.

If you like Alejandro…

Alexander— same name in the English form
Miguel— equally classic Spanish boys' name with similar depth
Sebastian— long, multi-syllable Spanish classic with a regal feel
Andres— common pairing in Latin American naming traditions

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alejandro mean?

Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, from Greek meaning 'defender of the people.'

How do you pronounce Alejandro?

Alejandro is pronounced ah-lay-HAN-droh (/ˌa.leɪˈxan.dɾo/) — four syllables with stress on the third.

Is Alejandro a boy or girl name?

Alejandro is used exclusively as a boy's name; Alejandra is the feminine form.

How popular is Alejandro?

Alejandro has been a consistent top-100 U.S. boys' name for years, especially popular in Latino communities.