Origin & Meaning of the Alexander Surname
What does the last name Alexander mean?
The surname Alexander carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 204,621 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alexander ranks as the #118 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alexander come from?
The Alexander surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Alexander name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alexander trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Alexander |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #118 |
| US Count (2010) | 204,621 |
| Per 100K People | 69.37 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alexander
According to the US Census, the Alexander surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 204,621 Americans with the Alexander last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.19% |
| Black | 34.04% |
| Hispanic | 3.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.24% |
| Native American | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 2.66% |
Popularity of Alexander Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alexander surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alexander surname increased by 11,178 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Alexander
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Alexander.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander
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