The given name Aleksandar is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which itself is a combination of the Greek words "alexo" meaning "to defend" and "andros" meaning "man." It can be translated to mean "defender of men" or "protector of men." The name has its origins in ancient Greek culture and language, dating back to the 4th century BC.

The name Aleksandar gained widespread popularity and recognition due to the conquests and legacy of Alexander the Great, one of the most renowned military leaders and kings of ancient Macedonia. Born in 356 BC, Alexander the Great's birth name was Alexandros, and his exploits and empire-building campaigns across Asia and parts of Africa helped to spread the name to various regions and cultures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the ancient Greek epic poem, the Iliad, attributed to Homer. In the epic, Alexandros is mentioned as another name for the Trojan prince Paris, who played a pivotal role in the Trojan War.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Aleksandar. These include:

1. Aleksandar Nevsky (1220-1263), a renowned Russian prince and military commander who led the defense against Swedish and German invaders. He was canonized as a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church.

2. Aleksandar Obrenović (1876-1903), the last King of Serbia from the Obrenović dynasty, who was assassinated in a coup d'état.

3. Aleksandar Stamboliyski (1879-1923), a Bulgarian politician and agrarian leader who served as the Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 1919 to 1923.

4. Aleksandar Vučić (born 1970), the current President of Serbia since 2017.

5. Aleksandar Hemon (born 1964), a Bosnian-American fiction writer and essayist known for his works exploring immigrant experiences.

The name Aleksandar has also been used in various literary works and religious texts throughout the ages, further contributing to its cultural significance and enduring popularity across different regions and ethnicities.