This
name derives from the Ancient Greek
name “Aléxandros (Αλέξανδρος)”, composed of two elements: “aléxō (ἀλέξω)” (keep off, turn aside, guard, protect, defend,
help) plus “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός)” (man “adult male”, husband). In turn the
name means “defending men, protector of men”. This definition is an example of the widespread motif of Greek (or Indo-European more generally) names expressing "battle-prowess", in this case the ability to withstand or push back an enemy battle line. The
name was one of the titles, "epithets", given to the Greek goddess Hera and as such is usually taken to
mean "one who comes to save warriors". The most famous linked to this root is Alexander the Great, who created one of the largest empires in ancient history.