Rising since 1995, #1,708 for boys today.
Popularity of Lysander since 1931
Babies named Lysander per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 38 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 151 |
| 2010s | 301 |
| 2020s | 256 |
Meaning & origin
Lysander is a name with classical gravitas and literary charm, currently enjoying a modest but steady resurgence. Ranked 1,708 in 2025, it is given to roughly 1 in 17,980 newborn boys, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically rooted choice. The name's peak year so far is 2025, and its trajectory has been rising since 1995, reflecting a broader trend toward revival of ancient and Shakespearean names. Lysander has notable popularity in Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas. While still uncommon, its upward movement suggests it is increasingly appreciated for its poetic sound and storied past.
Lysander is derived from the Greek elements λύσις (lysis) meaning 'release, dissolution' and ἀνήρ (aner) meaning 'man'. It was the name of a prominent Spartan general and naval commander during the Peloponnesian War. The name was revived in the Renaissance and later used by Shakespeare for a character in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (c. 1595), which helped sustain its use in the English-speaking world.
Where Lysander is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lys, Sander, Andy
Variants: Lisander
Sibling names for Lysander
Names that share Lysander's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hermione, Ophelia, Celeste, Calliope, Persephone, Antigone, Artavia, Carmilla, Charmian, Clio, Cyrena, Diantha, Gloriana, Iantha, Kalliope, Leandra, Lysandra, Nerissa, Othella, Pandora, Phaedra, Theia, Zenobia, Althia, Armella, Forestine, Helia, Ionia, Kalandra, Kassia, Macaria, Areta, Athene, Aurilla, Cybele, Cyrene, Delvina, Eirene, Evadna, Illyria, Kordelia, Leomia, Lucendia, Niobe, Parthena, Persephonie
Brothers: Demetrius, Sebastian, Orion, Atticus, Leander, Caspian, Corinthian, Evander, Kairos, Othello, Rodric, Theron, Zenon, Oberon, Othell, Eryx, Kimon
