Alexander Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Alexander surname: its meaning, its roots in Scotland, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Alexander name
Alexander comes from the Greek given name Alexandros, "defender of men". It became popular in Scotland after Queen Margaret gave it to her son, King Alexander I, and two later kings bore it. As a surname it is common in Scotland, Ulster and the United States, and it also absorbed Greek and other continental forms.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Alexander name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Alexander name in Scotland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Northern Ireland and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The researched Alexander pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Alexander coat of arms.
Alexander name FAQ
What does the Alexander name mean?
Defender of men. Common variants include Alisander, Saunders, MacAlister.
Where does the Alexander surname come from?
It originates in Scotland, and is also found in the United States, Northern Ireland and Canada.
Is there a Alexander coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Alexander crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Alexander coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: George F. Black, The Surnames of Scotland (New York Public Library, 1946); Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.