Saunders

Meaning

Saunders is a familiar English/Scots form that developed from Alexander. In the excerpt from Yonge, it is glossed as “helper of men,” reflecting the broader Alexander tradition; the same source notes that in the south the contraction became “Saunders” alongside Alick and Sandy. As a given name, it carries that inherited sense of protection and support.

Origin

Fun fact

In older Scottish and English usage, Saunders often began as a nickname or contracted form of Alexander before becoming established as a surname and occasionally a given name.