Rising since 1985, #984 for boys today.
Popularity of Anders since 1912
Babies named Anders per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Anders's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 57 |
| 1920s | 52 |
| 1930s | 40 |
| 1940s | 69 |
| 1950s | 115 |
| 1960s | 190 |
| 1970s | 300 |
| 1980s | 585 |
| 1990s | 957 |
| 2000s | 1,429 |
| 2010s | 2,592 |
| 2020s | 1,640 |
Meaning & origin
Anders is a Scandinavian form of Andrew, carrying the meaning 'manly' from the Greek root 'andros'. In the United States, it has been in use since at least 1912, but remained relatively uncommon for most of the 20th century. Since 1985, however, its usage has steadily climbed, and it reached its peak popularity in 2024, ranking 984th nationally with a rate of 1 in 7,362 births. The name is notably more popular in the upper Midwest, with Minnesota, Utah, and Idaho being the top states where Anders is chosen. Its rising trajectory suggests a growing appreciation for Nordic names among American parents, likely influenced by Scandinavian heritage and cultural trends.
Anders is the Scandinavian form of Andrew, derived from the Greek name Andreas, which comes from 'aner' (genitive 'andros') meaning 'man' or 'manly'. It has been a common given name in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland for centuries, often associated with Saint Andrew, the apostle and patron saint of Scotland and Russia.
Where Anders is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Andy, Ande, Ander
Sibling names for Anders
Names that share Anders's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Astrid, Ingrid, Sofia, Helena, Maja, Anette, Annelise, Annika, Jonna, Karin, Kirsten, Kristina, Lisbeth, Maren, Signe, Britta, Elisabet, Inga, Inger, Johanne, Kerstin, Lise, Rebecka, Anneka, Annica, Beatris, Berit, Katrin, Katrine, Margit, Marit, Marja, Sanna, Aanika, Jensine, Kalle, Kjerstin, Lene, Linnae, Lisbet, Malin, Rakel, Viveca, Hanne, Ane, Kirstina, Kirstine, Kjersti, Malene
Brothers: Erik, Lars, Nils, Oskar, Bjorn, Eric, Henrik, Johan, Karl, Kris, Kristian, Kristofer, Mikael, Soren, Jansen, Jens, Kristoffer, Nicklas, Olaf, Ole, Sander, Steffen, Stellan, Espen, Gillis, Hansen, Jantzen, Jorgen, Kriss, Larsen, Marten, Olsen, Patrik, Peder, Tage, Esten, Henning, Henrick, Jonerik, Kaj, Krist, Mads, Nichlas, Niklas, Nilson, Olson, Andrus, Aniken, Esben, Frans, Kristjan, Madsen, Steen, Stein
