Aleksander

Aleksander is a male given name, a variant of Alexander, derived from the Greek Alexandros meaning "defender of men" or "protector of mankind." It has been adopted across many European languages and cultures, and remains common in various forms today.

The spelling Aleksander is common in Polish and Norwegian, and appears in several other languages with minor variations such as Aleksandar (Serbo-Croatian), Aleksandr (Russian), and Aleksandër (Albanian). The English form is Alexander. The name’s popularity is historically tied to Alexander the Great and to Christian saints, contributing to enduring usage across centuries and regions.

Notable people bearing the name include Aleksander Kwaśniewski, the Polish politician who served as president from 1995 to 2005, and Aleksander Wolszczan, a Polish astronomer who helped discover the first confirmed exoplanets outside the solar system. The name remains common in Poland and Norway for contemporary figures in politics, science, sports, and the arts.

Variants and diminutives exist across languages. In Polish, the diminutive Olek is frequently used, while other languages offer short forms such as Alex or Alek. The name carries associations with leadership and protection, reflecting its historical roots and enduring appeal.