What does Lysander mean and where does it come from?
Lysander is of Greek origin, derived from the roots 'lysis' meaning 'to free' and 'aner' meaning 'man'. The name is popularly known from a character in Shakespeare's play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Historically, Lysander was a Spartan naval commander who played a significant role during the Pelopo
Cultural significance
Lysander has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of liberator.
Peak popularity
Reached #2743 in 1972 — currently #3760 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lysander?
Lysander works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lysander Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lysander Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lysander Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lysander Claire
French influence · crisp
Lysander Jane
Literary · strong
Lysander Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lysander right now?
Rising fast — up 764 spots — currently #3760 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3760 | 30 | ▲ up 764 · +30% births |
| 2022 | #4524 | 23 | ▲ up 517 · +21% births |
| 2021 | #5041 | 19 | ▼ down 779 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #4262 | 23 | ▼ down 956 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #3306 | 34 | ▲ up 250 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #3556 | 30 | ▲ up 3645 · +200% births |
| 2005 | #7201 | 10 | ▼ down 1193 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #6008 | 11 | ▲ up 840 · +120% births |
| 1985 | #6848 | 5 | ▼ down 2805 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #4043 | 7 | ▼ down 245 · +17% births |
| 1955 | #3798 | 6 | — |
The story of Lysander
Lysander entered American naming records in 1931 and has been in use for over 93 years. With 564 total births recorded, Lysander remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3798 in 1955 to #3760 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lysander in 1972:
Lysander by decade
Lysander peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 15 | |
| 1970s | 38 | |
| 1980s | 21 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 150 | |
| 2010s ★ | 301 | |
| 2020s | 23 | |
💎Lysander has only 564 total recorded births since 1931 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lysander?
Common
LysLysaLysieLysyAnder
Famous people named Lysander
L(
Lysander (ancient philosopher)
Lysander bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
L(
Lysander (Greek poet or artist)
Lysander helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
L(
Lysander (Greek mythological figure)
Lysander carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
L(
Lysander (Byzantine leader)
Lysander used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lysander?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lysander also consider these
How is Lysander written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Lysander?
Common questions about the name Lysander
What does the name Lysander mean?
Lysander means "Liberator" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Lysander?
Lysander is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lysander have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lysander?
Lysander originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Lysander?
Lysander is a three-syllable name pronounced L AY2 S AE1 N D ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Lysander?
Lysander pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.