Leander is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name of the mythological figure Leander who was a young man from Abydos in Asia Minor. He was renowned for his swimming prowess and swam across the Hellespont every night to meet his beloved Hero at Sestos on the opposite shore.
The name Leander has a significant meaning as it translates to "lion-man." This name suggests strength, courage, and leadership qualities, which are often associated with the figure of a lion. The use of the suffix "-ander" also adds a masculine touch to the name, further emphasizing its powerful connotation.
Historically, the name Leander has been used throughout different periods and cultures. In ancient Greece, it was popular among the nobility and was often given to young boys in honor of their athletic achievements. During the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity in Europe as a symbol of heroism and bravery.
Today, Leander continues to be used as a masculine given name around the world, with its popularity varying from country to country. Despite its historic roots and powerful meaning, Leander remains an uncommon name, which adds to its uniqueness and charm. Overall, the name Leander is a timeless choice that carries a strong and meaningful identity while still being distinctively different from other popular names.
The statistics provided indicate that the name Leander has had a relatively low but consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the past century.
In the early 20th century, there were five babies named Leander born each year in 1919. The usage of this name remained steady for several decades, with another five births recorded in 1959.
During the late 1970s, there was a slight increase in the popularity of the name Leander. In 1976, seven babies were named Leander, followed by five in 1978 and six in 1979. This trend suggests that while not highly popular, the name Leander has maintained a consistent presence among parents choosing names for their children.
In total, over these five years, there were 28 babies named Leander born in the United States.