Saško is a Macedonian diminutive of the name Alexander. In the Macedonian language, diminutives are commonly formed by adding the suffix -ko to the root of a name, creating an affectionate or familiar variant. Thus, Saško is derived from the Slavic root Saš-, which itself comes from Aleksandar (the Macedonian form of Alexander). Etymology The ultimate origin of Saško is traceable to the Greek name Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros), meaning “defending men” – from ἀλέξω (alexo), “to defend, help”, and ἀνήρ (aner), “man”. The name gained immense popularity through Alexander the Great, the 4th-century BC king of Macedon who created an empire stretching from Greece to India. Through his fame and subsequent medieval legends, the name became common across Europe. Notable Bearers Several Macedonian public figures carry the name Saško: Saško Kedev (born 1962), a Macedonian politician, doctor of medical sciences, and mountaineer. Saško Lafčiski (born 1977), a Macedonian military officer. Saško Pandev (born 1987), a Macedonian football player. Variants and Related Forms Other Macedonian diminutives of Alexander include Aco, Sasho, Sašo, and Aca. The name also appears in various languages, such as Albanian Aleksandër or Skënder, and Amharic Eskender or Eskinder. Key Facts Meaning: Diminutive of Alexander (“defending men”) Origin: Greek via Macedonian Type: First name (given name) Usage Regions: Macedonia