The name Sander is a variant of the name Alexander, which has its origins in the Greek language. Alexander is derived from the Greek words "alexein" meaning "to defend" and "andros" meaning "man". The name Sander is a Dutch and Low German diminutive form of Alexander.

The name Alexander has a rich historical legacy, with one of the most famous bearers being Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king who lived from 356 BC to 323 BC and conquered much of the known world at the time. His conquests spread Greek culture and language throughout the regions he conquered, contributing to the widespread use of the name Alexander and its variants.

In the Middle Ages, the name Sander gained popularity in the Low Countries, which include modern-day Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of northern France. It was used by several notable figures, including Sander Leendertszoon, a Dutch painter and engraver born in 1485, and Sander van Leeuwen, a Dutch jurist and historian born in 1575.

During the Renaissance period, the name Sander was also used by artists and intellectuals. One such figure was Sander Cabiljau, a Flemish painter born in 1513, who was known for his religious works and portraits.

In the 19th century, Sander was the given name of the German physicist and ophthalmologist Hermann von Helmholtz, who was born in 1821 and made significant contributions to the fields of electromagnetism, mechanics, and optics.

Another notable bearer of the name Sander was the American author and journalist Sander Vanocur, born in 1928, who covered major events such as the Vietnam War and served as a White House correspondent for several news organizations.

Sander has been a popular name in various parts of Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia. While its usage has fluctuated over time, it has maintained a presence as a masculine given name with a rich historical background and cultural significance.