The name Alexander is derived from the Greek "Ἀλέξανδρος" (Aléxandros), meaning "Defender of the people " or "Defending men" and also, "Protector of men", a compound of the verb ἀλέξειν aléxein, "to ward off, to avert, to defend" and the noun ἀνήρ anḗr, " man " (GEN ἀνδρός andrós). It is an example of the widespread motif of Greek names expressing " battle -prowess", in this case the ability to withstand or push back an enemy battle line.The earliest attested form of the name is the Mycenaean Greek feminine anthroponym ??????, a-re-ka-sa-da-ra (transcribed as Alexandra), written in the Linear B syllabic script.The name was one of the titles ("epithets") given to the Greek goddess Hera and as such is usually taken to mean "one who comes to save warriors ". In the Iliad, the character Paris is known also as Alexander. The name 's popularity was spread throughout the Greek world by the military conquests of King Alexander III, commonly known as "Alexander the Great". Most later Alexanders in various countries were directly or indirectly named after him.
Alexander has been the name of many rulers, including kings of Macedon, of Scotland, emperors of Russia and popes.
Alaksandu king of Wilusa who sealed a treaty with Hittite king Muwatalli II ca. 1280 BC.
Alexander (Alexandros of Ilion), more often known as Paris of Troy
Alexander of Corinth, 10th king of Corinth (816–791 BC)
Alexander I of Macedon
Alexander II of Macedon
Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great
Alexander IV of Macedon
Alexander V of Macedon
Alexander of Pherae despot of Pherae between 369 and 358 BC
Alexander I of Epirus king of Epirus about 342 BC
Alexander II of Epirus king of Epirus 272 BC
Alexander, viceroy of Antigonus Gonatas and ruler of a rump state based on Corinth c.
