Save Gender Feminine & Masculine Usage English (Rare) Pronounced Pron. ZAN [key] Other Forms FormsZan, Xander Meaning & History Short form of Alexandra, Alexander, Xanthe and other names containing xan. A known bearer is American actress and director Alexandra 'Xan' Cassavetes (1965-), the daughter of actor-director John Cassavetes and actress Gena Rowlands.