The surname is a name steeped in history, conquest, and legend. While it is used as a first name in many cultures, its use as a last name carries specific geographical and genealogical significance.

| Variant | Primary Region / Language | | :--- | :--- | | | Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, English transliteration | | Iskandar | Iraq, Iran, Central Asia, Malaysia/Indonesia | | Iskender | Turkey, Bosnia, Albania | | Iskandaryan | Armenia | | Iskanderov | Russia, Ukraine (Slavic suffix) | | Skandar | Colloquial or shortened form (e.g., in parts of North Africa) | | Alexandros | Greek (original form) |

The transition of the classical Greek name Alexandros into the surname Iskander highlights a fascinating phonetic evolution across ancient language families:

The surname "Iskander" is of Turkish and Arabic origin. It is derived from the name "Iskandar," which is the Turkish and Arabic form of the Greek name "Alexandros" (Αλέξανδρος), meaning "defender of the people."