Leander
From Latin Leander, from Ancient Greek Λέανδρος (Léandros), from λεώς (leṓs) (Attic form of λᾱός (lāós, “people”)) + ἀνήρ (anḗr, “man”) + -ος (-os).
Every Leander since 1880 — 6,956 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Leander
Leander is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #1,463 in 2025 with 122 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 6,956 American babies have been named Leander. Its peak came in 2025, when 122 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Leander stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Leander year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 122 | #1,463 |
| 2024 | — | — | 94 | #1,758 |
| 2023 | — | — | 117 | #1,513 |
| 2022 | — | — | 113 | #1,570 |
| 2021 | — | — | 89 | #1,788 |
| 2020 | — | — | 90 | #1,728 |
| 2019 | — | — | 88 | #1,770 |
| 2018 | — | — | 65 | #2,157 |
| 2017 | — | — | 64 | #2,147 |
| 2016 | — | — | 84 | #1,806 |
| 2015 | — | — | 75 | #1,944 |
| 2014 | — | — | 69 | #2,052 |
| 2013 | — | — | 61 | #2,174 |
| 2012 | — | — | 58 | #2,252 |
| 2011 | — | — | 50 | #2,494 |
| 2010 | — | — | 57 | #2,278 |
| 2009 | — | — | 52 | #2,473 |
| 2008 | — | — | 50 | #2,533 |
| 2007 | — | — | 47 | #2,629 |
| 2006 | — | — | 42 | #2,773 |
| 2005 | — | — | 43 | #2,594 |
| 2004 | — | — | 33 | #3,053 |
| 2003 | — | — | 29 | #3,244 |
| 2002 | — | — | 38 | #2,581 |
| 2001 | — | — | 36 | #2,663 |
| 2000 | — | — | 36 | #2,604 |
| 1995 | — | — | 26 | #2,815 |
| 1990 | — | — | 41 | #1,896 |
| 1985 | — | — | 37 | #1,687 |
| 1980 | — | — | 53 | #1,281 |
| 1975 | — | — | 46 | #1,271 |
| 1970 | — | — | 46 | #1,232 |
| 1965 | — | — | 49 | #1,059 |
| 1960 | — | — | 63 | #959 |
| 1955 | — | — | 63 | #946 |
| 1950 | — | — | 49 | #997 |
| 1945 | — | — | 36 | #1,096 |
| 1940 | — | — | 55 | #855 |
| 1935 | — | — | 62 | #786 |
| 1930 | — | — | 60 | #850 |
| 1925 | — | — | 72 | #776 |
| 1920 | — | — | 91 | #671 |
| 1915 | — | — | 68 | #720 |
| 1910 | — | — | 16 | #770 |
| 1905 | — | — | 11 | #773 |
| 1900 | — | — | 16 | #640 |
| 1895 | — | — | 9 | #772 |
| 1890 | — | — | 20 | #409 |
| 1885 | — | — | 16 | #471 |
| 1880 | — | — | 17 | #435 |
Famous people named Leander
- Leander of Seville Physician · 534–600
- Leander Paes Tennis player · b. 1973
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leander mean?
From Latin Leander, from Ancient Greek Λέανδρος (Léandros), from λεώς (leṓs) (Attic form of λᾱός (lāós, “people”)) + ἀνήρ (anḗr, “man”) + -ος (-os).
How popular is the name Leander in 2025?
Leander ranked #1,463 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 122 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Leander?
6,956 babies have been named Leander in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Leander most popular?
Leander peaked in 2025, when 122 newborns received the name.
Is Leander a boy or girl name?
Leander is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Leander rising or falling?
Leander is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Leander?
Well-known people named Leander include Leander of Seville (physician), Leander Paes (tennis player).