I don't know what the edited comment originally said, but antique roses are often named to commemorate historical figures, or contemporary figures who are now historical, and for old rose lovers this adds to their charm.
The namesake of this rose, Alexander Ypsilantis , who lived 200 years ago, during the heyday of Romantic nationalism, is certainly historical.
Helpmefind's reference page quotes Botanica's Roses (1998) as saying "This variety was named for the Greek patriot and general Prince Alexandr Ypsilante who lived from 1792-1828."
Alexander certainly had an adventurous and rather tragic life since he died at age 35 after having spent seven years in an Austrian prison and also losing an arm in battle. He had a brother, Demetrios, for whom the town of Ypsilanti, Michigan, was named.. Both are considered heroes of the Greek independence movement.

As far as the rose, Graham Stuart Thomas, who refers it as "Ipsilanté, writes that "William Paul speaks very highly of this rose, and it certainly produces some most handsome blooms. It is a vigorous plant up to 4 or 5 feet, with good foliage and wide flat blooms, quartered and quilled, of palest lilac pink, 1821" (in The Old Shrub Roses,1957, 71 (p. 147).

Other sources describe the flowers as light purple. Most of the photos seem to show it as a mid pink in color.