Alexandre
A French form of Alexander, ultimately meaning “defender of men.”
The #7,155 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 66,042 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Alexandre is the French form of the given name Alexander, from Greek Alexandros. The name is usually explained as coming from alexein, “to defend,” plus aner/andros, “man,” giving the sense “defender of men.” As a surname, it began as a hereditary form of a personal name rather than from a place or occupation.
History
The name appears in medieval records in forms such as Alexandre and related spellings, and it remained especially common in French-speaking naming traditions. English surname dictionaries also treat it as a baptismal surname, especially in families of French origin or influence. Modern bearers may be found in French, English, and broader diaspora communities.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In older surname scholarship, Alexandre is often grouped with the many surnames that ultimately come from the very common medieval personal name Alexander.
From the historical record
“Alexander le Syre, co. Hunts, ibid. Custance Alexandre, co. Camb., itstd. Henricns Alisanndre, 1379: P. T. Torks. p. 189. John Alysaunder, of Attlebunrh, co.”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames (alternate scan)