This could be a great unique twist on Alex if you're looking for a more unique nickname for Alexander. It works as a full name just as much as it works as a nickname for Alexander. This makes me wonder if Xandra is a nickname for Alexandra.
Out of a lot of modern names at the moment, I think this one isn’t too bad. It has a mature ring to it and sounds quite nice, unlike Jayden (sorry to the Jaydens of the world XD).
I really dislike this name because it looks so trendy and flashy, but it's not substantial at all. Plus, the X at the beginning makes for an awkward pronunciation. Fail.
The xan part makes me think of Xanax, an anxiety treatment drug. It has gained attention by people abusing and glamorizing the drug on social media and in music. It is often refered to as Xannie or just Xan, which could become nicknames for a person named Xander. I much prefer Zander.
I named my first child Xander, looking for classic strong names to match well with an Italian last name. We liked Alexander, but did not want him to be called Alex. The name Xander just resonated well with us. We gave him my father's name as a middle name, another strong classic name, and together they are the perfect name for our son - Xander Thomas. At eight years old, the name remains a perfect fit. Favorite nicknames: X, Xman, Xan, Xanderman... his little brother often calls him Xandy. Never hearing the name before we named our son, there are at least three others in his small school, and everyone knows someone who named their son Xander or Zander.
I really like this name. It is short but simple and strong. I know of this name from the book Matched by Ally Condie. I also really like the name Ky who is also from Matched. Both are main characters.
It's a cool name for a boy. "Xan" is a great nickname plus it starts with the letter X! A good alternative for the popular name Xavier. ;D.
― Anonymous User 6/6/2014
1
This is one of my son's middle name. I thought it was very unique but he still won't have a hard time spelling it. Everyone that I tell it to though kinda gives me a weird look and asks if I'm a fan of Buffy! I've never even seen the show! lol!
I think this is a very strong name. I like that it is phonetic and easy for people to pronounce. And it is still fairly uncommon.We plan to name our first son Alexander, after my grandfather, but we want to call him Xander for short. :)
I used Xander for my son's middle name & I absolutely love it! I think it adds a little spice to his name as a whole as his first name (Abram) is perceived as biblical. About a month after he was born I realized that Abram Xander sounds a lot like the name Alexander which I was not crazy about because my son has a cousin from his father's side of the family already named Alexander, but I still adore his name. I think Xander makes for a great first name too. Actually some of the family is choosing to call my son Xander rather than Abram. And I don't feel the name sounds fictional as some have stated. It is actually quite common (ranked 280 in 2007).
If I have a son I'm planning on naming him Xander. I think it's a great name; very strong and masculine. I like it as a nickname for Alexander or by itself - unsure of which I will do. :)
― Anonymous User 11/27/2008
1
This name is too trendy and nauseating. It also makes me think of Xandir, the gay guy from the cartoon Drawn Together.
Xander, I suppose, is a rather cool nickname for Alexander (although I'd only use it as a nickname and not on its own). I'd prefer to spell it Zander, however, as it appears more correct to me.
Xander is a cool name, it makes a good nickname for Alexander or used as an independant name.
― Anonymous User 10/11/2006
1
I think Xander is a very nice name. I can't remember anyone being named this. It sounds very classy, strong yet simple.
― Anonymous User 6/3/2006
1
Xander sounds ok for a fantasy character but I think it's too cliche. No offense, but it doesn't sound that classic to me. Sander sounds better to me but Xander sounds almost fictious and doesn't go well. Xander was also the name of the nemesis in the comics and film "The Phantom." But it wasn't because of the comic book or film that I don't like this name. I have never really liked it, would never name a "real" character this or even someone that'd be my son. Just my opinion!
― Anonymous User 5/31/2006
1
This is my favorite masculine name. I think it conveys masculine beauty. A very strong name, and unusual enough to draw comments. It also lends itself to the rather unique nickname "Xan."