Find out how popular the last name Xander is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Xander.

Xander, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Xander surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xander in America

Xander is the 53802nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xander surname appeared 384 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Xander.

We can also compare 2010 data for Xander to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Xander

The surname Xander can trace its roots to the early medieval period in the regions of Germany and the Netherlands. This surname is derived from the given name "Alexander," which itself originates from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men." The name was popularized by the conquests of Alexander the Great, which cemented its status throughout Europe. In German-speaking regions, the name was often shortened as a nickname to forms like Xander or Sander, leading to its use as a surname.

Historical records indicate that Xander began to appear in Western Europe around the 13th century, primarily in Germany. One of the earliest mentions can be found in municipal archives from the late 1200s in the city of Cologne. By the 14th century, the name had spread to various parts of the Holy Roman Empire, including the Low Countries. Variations like Sander and Sanders existed alongside Xander, often used interchangeably in different documents.

An early and notable figure bearing the surname Xander was Heinrich Xander, born in 1421 and recorded in the annals of Mainz as a merchant. His contributions to the local economy and involvement in the Hanseatic League established the name Xander as one associated with trade and commerce. His descendants continued to wield influence in the region, maintaining the name's prevalence over the centuries.

Another historical figure, Maria Xander, who lived between 1510 and 1580, is noted for her writings which advocated for women's education and rights in the city of Heidelberg. Her pamphlets and letters provide rare insights into the social conditions of her time, and she is often cited as a pioneer in early feminist literature within the German-speaking world.

Pieter Xander, born in 1608, was a Dutch navigator and cartographer who contributed significantly to the mapping of the East Indies. His maps were extensively used during the height of Dutch exploration and colonization efforts, and his meticulous work earned him a prominent place in the history of cartography.

The surname also appears in ecclesiastical records. Johannes Xander, born in 1675, served as a notable cleric in the city of Utrecht. His sermons and theological treatises remain studied for their insights into the Reformation's impacts on Dutch religious life. His work helped bridge the gap between Protestant and Catholic communities in a region deeply affected by religious conflict.

By the 18th century, descendants and bearers of the surname Xander had spread further into regions like Switzerland and Austria. Karl Xander, an 18th-century Swiss watchmaker born in 1723, is remembered for his innovations in timekeeping. His meticulously crafted timepieces were known for their precision and artistry and remain valuable collectors' items today.

The name Xander, though less common compared to its origins, signifies a rich heritage linked to various facets of European history. Each notable bearer has contributed uniquely to this storied surname, ensuring its place in historical records.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xander

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Xander.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Xander was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Xander has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Xander was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Xander, please contact us.

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