Sanders is a surname of English and Scottish origin. It originally denoted a person who worked as a sand merchant or lived near sandy soil. The name is derived from the Old English word "sander," meaning "sandy" or "sandy-haired." Variations of the name include Sanderson and Saunderson. Sanders is a common name in the United States, particularly in the southern states. Famous individuals with the surname Sanders include American politician Bernie Sanders and English actor Julian Sands.