The name "Alexander" was popularized in Scotland by Queen Margaret,
the wife of Malcolm III, who named one of her sons Alexander. He later
became King Alexander I. Margaret, a well-educated and pious woman,
brought many influences from mainland Europe to the rough-and-tumble
royal court of Scotland.
"Alexander
From the Greek word meaning 'defender' the name has been around for
over 2,000 years. Alexander the Great (356BC to 323BC) was an early
bearer of the name. The name Alexander was brought to Scotland by
Margaret Atheling, wife of Malcolm Canmore. Their son became King
Alexander I. There were a further two kings of Scotland with that
name. The short forms of Alex/Alec and Sandy are also found. Alexander
is the 34th most frequent boys' name in Scotland in 1999."
Rampant Scotland: Popular Scottish Forenames
http://www.rampantscotland.com/forenames/blnames_a.htm
"One of the oldest personal names is 'Alexander'. It has long been a
popular name for a boy. Since 1700 it has been a favourite, especially
in Scotland.
According to the old chronicles the name was introduced into Scotland
by St. Margaret, wife of Malcolm III (of 'Macbeth') about 1070. She
had been brought up in Hungary where the name was greatly admired. She
conferred it upon her third son who became Alexander I (1107-1124).
The name thereupon became so popular in Scotland that its 'pet' form,
'Sandy' is now the traditional name for a Scotsman.
Even so, the name was not unknown before the time of Margaret, either
in England or Scotland. Apart from the Greek hero, the name was
already identified with at least eight other rulers in the ancient
world, several philosophers and poets and two saints. It should be
noted that the continuing popularity of 'Alexander' throughout the
Middle Ages was not so much in estimation of the real historical
character but misconceived through reconstructions of his life based
on legends and spurious anecdotes. One even made him an Apostle of
Christianity!"
GENUKI: What's in a Name ?
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/DBY/NamesPersonal/Sandars.html
Google search strategy:
Google Web Search: "the name alexander" + "scotland"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=%22the+name+alexander%22+scotland
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