Rising since 1985, #698 for boys today.
Popularity of Evander since 1888
Babies named Evander per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 66 |
| 1920s | 83 |
| 1930s | 54 |
| 1940s | 54 |
| 1950s | 72 |
| 1960s | 44 |
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 95 |
| 1990s | 400 |
| 2000s | 309 |
| 2010s | 1,108 |
| 2020s | 1,870 |
Meaning & origin
Evander is a name with ancient classical roots that has experienced a quiet resurgence in recent decades. First recorded in the United States in 1888, it reached its peak in 2025, when it ranked 698th with approximately 1 in 4,391 baby boys receiving the name. The trajectory has been rising steadily since 1985, indicating growing appreciation for names with mythological and historical weight. Evander was most prevalent in Idaho, Kansas, and Michigan during its peak year. The name's association with the legendary Roman king and the modern boxer Evander Holyfield gives it a dual heritage of wisdom and strength. While not common, Evander fits a modern trend toward distinctive, classical names that are still accessible.
Evander is the Latinized form of the Greek name Εὔανδρος (Euandros), derived from εὖ (eu), meaning 'good,' and ἀνήρ (aner), meaning 'man.' In Roman mythology, Evander was a wise king who welcomed Aeneas to Italy and was credited with introducing writing and laws. The name has seen sporadic use in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, with a notable boost from the boxer Evander Holyfield.
Where Evander is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Van, Evan, Andy
Variants: Euander, Evandros
Sibling names for Evander
Names that share Evander's style, for a brother or sister.
