Alexander comes from the Greek for “defender of man,” and while it might sound more like a Greek general than a Jewish name, it has serious Jewish roots. According to tradition, when Alexander the Great approached Jerusalem in the 4th century BCE, the high priest greeted him with respect — and in return, Alexander spared the city. To honor him, Jewish families began naming their sons Alexander, especially among the priestly class. It’s a strong, classic name with an unexpected place in Jewish history.
