What does Anders mean and where does it come from?
Anders is a Scandinavian name derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning 'manly' or 'brave'. It has been widely used in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway and may have regional variations in pronunciation or spelling, such as 'Andreas' or 'Andrej' in other cultures. Historically, the name has been borne
Cultural significance
Anders has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of manly, brave.
Peak popularity
Reached #748 in 2014 — currently #984 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anders?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anders?
Anders works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anders Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Anders John
One syllable · timeless choice
Anders Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Anders Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Anders Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Anders Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Anders right now?
Falling — down 152 spots — currently #984 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #984 | 232 | ▼ down 152 · -22% births |
| 2024 | #832 | 298 | ▲ up 13 · +4% births |
| 2023 | #845 | 287 | ▲ up 10 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #855 | 283 | ▲ up 28 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #883 | 262 | ▼ down 53 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #830 | 273 | ▼ down 34 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #796 | 293 | ▲ up 144 · +37% births |
| 2010 | #940 | 214 | ▲ up 307 · +69% births |
| 2005 | #1247 | 127 | ▼ down 176 · -5% births |
| 2000 | #1071 | 133 | ▲ up 62 · +30% births |
| 1995 | #1133 | 102 | ▲ up 50 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #1183 | 85 | ▼ down 41 · +27% births |
| 1985 | #1142 | 67 | ▲ up 837 · +139% births |
| 1980 | #1979 | 28 | ▼ down 362 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #1617 | 32 | — |
The story of Anders
Anders entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 6,653 total births recorded, Anders remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3979 in 1915 to #845 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Anders in 2014:
Anders by decade
Anders peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 57 | |
| 1920s | 52 | |
| 1930s | 40 | |
| 1940s | 69 | |
| 1950s | 113 | |
| 1960s | 188 | |
| 1970s | 301 | |
| 1980s | 585 | |
| 1990s | 957 | |
| 2000s | 1,429 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,589 | |
| 2020s | 808 | |
💎With 6,653 total births, Anders is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Anders?
What names sound and feel like Anders?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anders also consider these
How is Anders written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Anders?
Common questions about the name Anders
What does the name Anders mean?
Anders means "manly, brave" — a name rooted in Sweden tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Anders?
Anders is currently ranked #845 as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Anders have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Anders?
Anders originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Anders?
Anders is a two-syllable name pronounced AND-erz. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Anders trending right now?
Anders is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.