Lysander is a name of Greek origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "lyssandros," which means "liberator" or "he who frees the people." This name was popular among the Greeks, with several notable figures throughout history bearing this name.
One of the most famous Lysander was a Spartan general during the Peloponnesian War. He played a significant role in defeating Athens and establishing Sparta as the dominant power in ancient Greece. Another notable figure is Saint Lysander, who was a martyr during the Roman persecution of Christians in the 3rd century AD.
The name Lysander has also been used in literature and popular culture. In William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Lysander is one of the main characters who falls in love with Hermia. Additionally, Lysander is a character in Madeline L'Engle's Time Quintet series.
Overall, the name Lysander has a rich history and meaningful origin that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for unique and significant names for their children. Its association with liberators and heroes adds to its appeal and makes it a strong and powerful name option.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Lysander has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The earliest recorded birth year for Lysander is 1931, with just 5 births that year. This number remained relatively low and stable until the late 1970s.
However, starting from the early 1980s, there was a notable uptick in the popularity of the name Lysander. In 1983, there were 10 births, which more than doubled the previous year's figure. This trend continued through the 1990s and into the 2000s, with significant increases each decade.
From 2000 to 2010, the number of Lysander births almost tripled, from 11 in 2000 to 30 in 2010. This increase was even more pronounced from 2010 to 2023, with a nearly fourfold rise from 30 births in 2010 to 29 births in 2023.
Overall, between 1931 and 2023, there were a total of 636 recorded births for the name Lysander in the United States. This shows that while the name was not particularly common in the early to mid-20th century, it has since gained significant traction and is now one of the more popular names for newborn boys in the U.S.
It's interesting to observe these trends over time, as they provide insight into how parental naming preferences have evolved. The steady increase in popularity of the name Lysander over the past several decades suggests that many parents are drawn to its unique sound and historical significance.