Surname Sanders - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
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C. Sanders
read moreSanders: What does the surname Sanders mean?
The last name Sanders is of medieval English origin. It is derived from the personal name "Sander" which was a diminutive form of "Alexander," a popular name among Crusaders and Knights during the Middle Ages. The suffix "-s" indicates "son of," thus making the meaning of Sanders "son of Sander." The name Alexander, from which it is derived, means "defender of men" or "protector of mankind" in Greek. Over time, the usage of the name spread across Europe and later to the Americas due to immigration. Despite its English origins, variations of Sanders can be found in other cultures and languages as well. Today, it is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisSanders: Where does the name Sanders come from?
The last name Sanders is of English and Scottish origin. Derived from the medieval given name "Saunder", which is a pet form of the name "Alexander", it means "defending men". Detailed records show this surname emerging in English regions such as Lancashire and Yorkshire. The name tends to come from Scotland and northern England, while the equivalent in southern England is Sanderson.
Today, "Sanders" is most common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. According to census data, it's among the top two hundred most common surnames in the United States, where it is often associated with significant figures in politics (like Senator Bernie Sanders), fast food (Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken), and entertainment (such as actors George Sanders and Colonel Harland Sanders). The name is also common in England, Australia, and Canada. However, the variations of Sanders spread more vertically across Europe, with versions such as "Saunder" in France and "Sandor" in Hungary.
Variations of the surname Sanders
The surname Sanders has several variants and related surnames because it originated from several different languages. The primary origin is the Medieval name "Saunder," which itself is a reduced form of "Alexander." Thus, one popular variant is Saunders. The Dutch "Zanders" and German "Sanders" are also related. These surnames all descend from the Greek "Alexandros" - a compound of "alexin" (to defend) and "andros" (man).
British and Nordic variants abound, due to the name's popularity in these regions, such as "Sanderson" which means "son of Sander." This name was traditionally given to children born out of wedlock to identify their paternity.
Similar surnames include "Sanderson," "Sand," "Sander," and "Sandes," among others. Misremembered, misheard, or mistranscribed records and names often result in variants, so it’s not uncommon to find slight deviations in spelling: "Saunder" might be "Sandar" or "Sundar," for instance.
In addition, the influence of regional accents and dialects often led to variations of the surname, such as the Scots "Sandy" or "Sandie." Spelling variants can also be influenced by literacy levels and cultural or language differences, generating further versions of Sanders across different times and places.
Famous people with the name Sanders
- Bernie Sanders: Politician, United States Senator from Vermont, and former presidential candidate.
- Colonel Harland Sanders: Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, also known as KFC.
- Deion Sanders: Former professional football and baseball player, currently a sports analyst.
- George Sanders: Academy Award-winning actor.
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders: Former White House Press Secretary under President Trump.
- Barry Sanders: Former professional football player in the NFL.
- Colonel Sanders (real name Harland David Sanders): Founder of the fast-food chain, KFC.
- Thomas Sanders: Singer, actor, and Vine star.
- Larry Sanders: Professional basketball player.
- Bernie Sander: US Politician who ran for President in 2016 and 2020.
- Ed Sanders: American poet and musician, one of the founders of the 1960s band 'The Fugs'.
- Buck Sanders: American composer and conductor best known for his collaborations with director Michael Mann.
- Chris Sanders: American film director and animator who has worked on projects like "Lilo & Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon".
- Pharoah Sanders: Influential jazz musician and saxophonist.
- Ernie Sanders: Evangelical Christian pastor and radio broadcaster.
- Summer Sanders: Olympic gold medalist and sports commentator.
- Emmanuel Sanders: Professional American football player.