The given name Xander is derived from the Greek name Alexander, which means "defender of men" or "protector of men." The name Alexander has its roots in the ancient Greek language, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Alexander was a very popular name in ancient Greece, and it was borne by several notable historical figures, including Alexander the Great, the famous Macedonian king who conquered much of the known world in the 4th century BC. The name gained widespread popularity across Europe and the Middle East due to Alexander the Great's military conquests and the spread of Hellenistic culture.

The name Xander emerged as a shortened form of Alexander in the English-speaking world. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Xander can be found in the 16th century work "The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia" by Sir Philip Sidney, where a character named Xander appears.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Xander. One of the earliest was Xander de Bissipat, a 13th-century French nobleman and crusader. Another was Xander Brett, an English soldier and politician who lived in the 17th century.

In the 19th century, Xander Dougan was a Scottish poet and author, while Xander Hauff was a German writer and novelist. More recently, Xander Berkeley, an American actor born in 1955, is known for his roles in various films and television shows.

The name Xander has also been used in literature and popular culture. In the 1990s television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," one of the main characters was named Xander Harris, played by actor Nicholas Brendon. This helped to popularize the name in the late 20th century.