Sander

Sander is a name and a term with several distinct uses. In onomastics, it is a surname of Germanic origin and a given name, particularly in Dutch- and German-speaking regions. It arose as a shortened form of Alexander and has become established as a standalone name in its own right. The surname Sander is found in various countries and may be carried by many unrelated families.

As a given name, Sander is common in the Netherlands and Germany, where it functions as a familiar form of Alexander. It is also encountered in other parts of Europe and North America, sometimes appearing as a nickname or vernacular form. In contemporary usage, individuals named Sander may be identified by both given-name and family-name forms.

In everyday language, sander refers to a tool used to smooth or finish surfaces. Sanding is a finishing process in woodworking, metalworking, and construction. Tools include manual hand blocks, belt sanders, disc sanders, and random orbital sanders, each designed for different materials, speeds, and finishes. Abrasive papers or belts—such as sandpaper or sanding belts—are the consumables used with these machines.

Geographically and culturally, Sander may appear as a place name or part of toponyms in certain regions, reflecting the distribution of the name. It is also related to other names such as Sanders or Sanderson, which share the same root origin.

Notable uses and references typically depend on context, so disambiguation may be necessary to distinguish between people named Sander, the surname, or the woodworking tool.