Alexandru – Name Meaning
Alexandru is a masculine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek name Alexander. The name is composed of two elements: “alexo” meaning “to defend” and “aner” meaning “man”. It is a popular name in many countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Russia.
History and Origin
The name Alexandru has its roots in the ancient Greek language. It was first used by Alexander the Great, who was one of the most famous rulers of antiquity. He was known for his military prowess and conquests, which extended from Greece to India. The name became popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.
The name Alexandru is also found in other languages such as Spanish (Alejandro), Italian (Alessandro), French (Alexandre), German (Alexander), Dutch (Alexander) and Portuguese (Alexandre).
Popularity
In recent years, the name Alexandru has become increasingly popular in many countries around the world. In Romania, it is currently ranked as the 11th most popular male name. In Bulgaria, it is ranked as the 8th most popular male name. In Greece, it is ranked as the 5th most popular male name.
In the United States, Alexandru is not a particularly common name. According to Social Security Administration data from 2019, it was only given to about 100 baby boys that year. However, it has been steadily increasing in popularity since then.
Famous People Named Alexandru
There are several famous people who have borne this name over the centuries. These include:
- Alexander the Great, an ancient Macedonian king who conquered much of Asia Minor and Persia.
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza, a 19th-century Romanian prince who unified Moldavia and Wallachia into modern Romania.
- Alexandru Lapusneanu, a 16th-century Moldavian prince who fought against Ottoman rule.
- Alexandru Marghiloman, a 20th-century Romanian politician who served as Prime Minister during World War I.
Conclusion
The name Alexandru has a long history and is still widely used today in many countries around the world. It carries with it connotations of strength and courage, making it an excellent choice for any baby boy.
