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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

If you have or know an Alexander, what is he most often called?

136 replies

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 06/09/2021 16:04

Help! One names on my list for DS is Alexander. But we already have an Alex in the extended family (I have a huge family so a lot of the classic or popular boys names are already used). It's not a close family member/someone we see regularly and I prefer the full name or Xan/Xand as a nn anyway.

BUT in your experience are Alexanders nearly always known as Alex?

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Bobmonkfish · 07/09/2021 14:01

Zandy.

Cotswoldmama · 07/09/2021 14:00

Always Alex, any Zanders/Xanders are actually just named that.

Original poster
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 07/09/2021 13:58

Thanks everyone for the replies and advice Smile - it's been very helpful. It's seems there are more Xanders about now (although still no where near the number of Alex/Alec's) but only a few known as Xan or Xand which is interesting.

Have you considered just giving him the name Xander? Or maybe Xavier? The Xavier I know is called Xavi or Xav. (Zav)

I did consider just Xander on the BC but I think one of the things I love about Alexander is it's timelessness - I think Xander as a given name only became more popular after "Buffy" on TV which makes me slightly wary.

Xavier is very cool, again I'm not just sure it's my (classic/safe) style if that makes sense? I do love nn Zav/Zev though! The other names on my list are/were all "English" classics - William, Samuel, Edward type names - maybe I need to think about being braver?

OP posts:
SequinsandStiIettos · 07/09/2021 13:22

Alex but if you wanted to make Xan stick, either with child or peer group, then just have him known as that in nursery and primary. On the forms Alexander known as Xan. You can always revert back in year 7.
The one I know answers to Alexander, Alex, Al, Ally, Xan, Xander, Lex and Lexi. But Alex stuck only as we made that his known by name. He intends changing it to Xander at secondary.

TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet · 07/09/2021 13:13

Have you considered just giving him the name Xander? Or maybe Xavier? The Xavier I know is called Xavi or Xav. (Zav)

dementedma · 07/09/2021 10:24

One v posh Alexaaaaaaahnda.

twinkletoedelephant · 07/09/2021 10:16

There were 5 in ds class one year (1 girl 4 boys)
2 were Alex + initial..(it stated of boy Alex and girl Alex:) , one was an Al, one xander and one lex

Bakingdiva · 07/09/2021 10:14

I have a 2 year old Alexander. He was going to be Alex but following a protest from his big sister of 'he's not Alex he's Alexander' he's actually become Xand/Xander which I like more.

Of the others I know

Alec (45)
Alex (23)
Alexander (6)

SingingInTheShithouse · 07/09/2021 10:11

Lex
Alex
& Xand

CorianderBee · 07/09/2021 10:11

Alex usually. I've met one Xander, but that's what his parents had always called him

Gothichouse40 · 07/09/2021 10:08

Sandy, Alec,Alex , Al and Xander are all names Ive heard for Alexander.

BertieBotts · 07/09/2021 10:03

We have an Alexander known as Alex. We introduce him like that to people. So if you want Xan you'll just have to do the same and people should follow your lead.

HeronLanyon · 07/09/2021 09:59

He was Ali Bubba (and variations) sometimes when baby. He grew out of that - so did we !

HeronLanyon · 07/09/2021 09:58

I know an Al. Can’t but see that many will call him Alex (as they already do).

VanillaAndOrange · 07/09/2021 09:55

Nearly all Alex, across all age groups, except for one Alec (he's a little boy, and not visibly Scottish). I've known a Xander and a male Sacha but it was their official name in both cases.

cabinfever102 · 07/09/2021 07:47

I have one and he is known as Alexander. Only the odd person calls him Alex but he refers to himself as the longer version... One teacher insisted on calling him Al which amused me as to me that's a completely different name! But I don't stress. He calls himself his given name and we do too. I love the name it was always my favourite.

Beebopawhop · 06/09/2021 21:12

@Phyllis321 same Grin

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 06/09/2021 20:59

Alex
Al
Alli
Alejandro
Allismalli
And stinker!🤣

salemcat · 06/09/2021 20:56

Oh & we are Scotland, he's been known as Xander since before he was born & wouldn't know you were talking to him if you used Alexander tbh. Nursery & school were all fine with it & have only ever used Xander as that's his name.

TSSDNCOP · 06/09/2021 20:52

Zandy, he's a cute boots totally suits him

salemcat · 06/09/2021 20:49

Ours has been know since birth as Xander

Original poster
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 06/09/2021 20:48

Thanks very much everyone for the replies Smile

Looks like there are wide regional variations (Al/Aly, Alec, Sandy seem more common in Scotland) and age variations (Xander's mainly younger) but Alex widely used (with fewer full Alexanders or Lex, Xan, Sashas etc).

It's going to stay on my (very short) list with the assumption that if I use it I'll have to introduce him as Xan (if I don't want Alex as the go to nn) - as I do think the full Alexander sounds lovely but would be harder to "enforce". But I'll keep looking for another timeless/very classic name that hasn't already been used by close relatives!

OP posts:
Chilver · 06/09/2021 20:47

I know an Alexandra and she is known as Addra (family baby name that stuck apparently), Lexi or Lex. Hates Alex with a passion and won’t answer to it.

Wrennie24 · 06/09/2021 20:46

Sandy. And he suits it.

MeredithGreyishblue · 06/09/2021 20:39

Quite a few Alex's , a Sandy and I knew an Alec in the 80s

I'm an AlexANDer pronouncer. My friend is an Alexaaahhhhnder pronouncer! Grin