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Origin and meaning of the name Iskandar

What is the origin of the name Iskandar?

The name Iskandar has Arabic origins and is a variant of Alexander, which is of Greek origin. In Arabic, the name Alexander translates to "Ibn al-Iskandariyyin," meaning "the son of the Alexandrian." Over time, the name Iskandar became popular in various regions, particularly in Southeast Asia where it is associated with Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain, a legendary Malay warrior and king. In Turkish, Iskandar is also known as Askandur or Askındur.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Iskandar

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Iskandar

Iskandar is a given name that has its roots in the Middle East and is particularly popular among Muslim communities. The name derives from Alexander, which was originally a Greek name. Alexander itself comes from the Greek words "alexein" meaning 'to defend' or 'protect' and "aner," meaning 'man.' This name was commonly used for the famous Macedonian ruler, Alexander the Great, who conquered much of the known world in the 4th century BCE. The name Iskandar is a translation of Alexander into Arabic, where it became Isqandar or Iskander. Over time, variations such as Askander, Alexandre, Alessandro, and Aleksandr have emerged among different cultures. Iskandar is widely used in various Muslim countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, often associated with notable historical figures like the Mongol conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) or Sultan Iskandar Shah of Malacca.

Character traits associated with the name Iskandar

Iskandar is often associated with courage, leadership, and wisdom, as these are qualities attributed to Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain, a legendary Malay hero from Malay folklore. In modern times, the name Iskandar has also been connected with power and strength, due to the naming of various cities and regions, such as Iskandar Puteri in Malaysia and Iskanderia in Turkey. People named Iskandar are often seen as determined, ambitious, and charismatic individuals who possess a natural leadership ability. They may also be known for their strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and a strong sense of justice. Overall, Iskandar is a name that evokes a sense of nobility, valor, and power.

Popularity of the name Iskandar

The name Iskandar is a popular given name, particularly in regions with historical ties to the Ottoman and Malay archipelagos. It originates from Alexander, the ancient Greek name meaning "defender of the people." In Malaysia, it is one of the most common names, often associated with various sultans and rulers due to its connection to Alexander the Great. In Turkey, Iskander is also used as a variant of Alexander. The name's popularity can be attributed to its historical significance, cultural relevance, and strong associations with leadership and power in these regions. Its usage has resulted in the name being well-known and respected within these communities.

Famous people with the name Iskandar

Iskandar, a name of Arabic origin meaning "conqueror" or "lion", has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most prominent is Sultan Iskandar Shah, the seventh Sultan of Malacca (1498-1520), who played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the Malacca Sultanate, making it a trading hub between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In Indonesia, Iskandar Muda was the second king of the Aceh Sultanate (1607-1636), known for his military campaigns against Portuguese colonizers in Malaysia and the Dutch in Aceh. Iskandar Mirza, born in India, served as the first President of Pakistan from 1948 to 1956. Lastly, Iskandar Najjar is a Jordanian footballer who plays for Al-Faisaly Club and has represented the Jordan national team since 2012. These individuals have left lasting impacts in their respective fields and regions.

Variations of the name Iskandar

Iskandar is a name of Arabic origin that means "conqueror" or "victorious". It has several variations across different cultures and regions, some of which include:

1. Alexander: This is the Latin form of Iskandar, popularized by Alexander the Great, one of history's most famous conquerors.

2. Skanderbeg: A variant used in Albania, named after the 15th-century national hero George Kastrioti, also known as Iskender bey.

3. Askandar: This is a slightly altered version of Iskandar, commonly found in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.

4. Ismail: A derivative of Iskandar, which means "follower of Isaac", popular in various Islamic countries.

5. Ishak: Another variant, derived from Iskandar, is common among Turkish speakers.

6. Xande: In Portuguese, it's a diminutive form of Alexander, often used as a nickname or informal name.

7. Skender: This version is found in South Slavic languages such as Bosnian and Serbian.

8. Sikander: A common variant in Urdu, Hindi, and other Indo-Aryan languages of the Indian subcontinent.

9. Askandor (Askandór): This is an Icelandic variation of Alexander.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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