1. Alexander as a personal name
At the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford, there is a document (D/DAY T2/1) which is a Grant for Homage and Service, between Alexander de Knichtebrege and John Blunde of "Sandune". It states:
"Messuage which Alwred the smith (faber) held next the church on the North, land (2 acres) lying West from the messuage, and land (2 acres) lying in Eldinduna next the way leading North, in Sandon at an annual rent of 16d for all services, saving ½d for hidage, when it shall happen. For which grant, John gives to Alexander 4 shillings as a fine and 6d each to Edeline and Reginald, wife and son of Alexander.
Witnesses: William son of Sawal, William de Badua, Robert Marshall (marescallo), Robert son of Alexander, John de Bedenestrede, William the englishman (anglico), Richard Man, Hamon son of Richard, Randulf the clerk (clerico), William Bissop."
This document dates from circa 1175, and is interesting in that it includes a wide selection of names and surnames at the time that surnames were just beginning to be used.
Whilst there is no connection between Alexander de Knichtebrege and the Alexanders, it is the earliest document I have yet come across that records the name Alexander in Essex, albeit as a personal name. It can be seen, however, that one of the witnesses was Robert son of Alexander and from that usage, it would not be long before the name Alexander became a surname.
2. Alexander as a surname
The earliest example of Alexander being used as a surname comes from