Leander

Meaning of Leander

Leander—pronounced lee-AN-der—arrives like a warm Mediterranean breeze, carrying the roar of the word “léon” (lion) and the heartbeat of “anēr” (man) from its ancient Greek roots, so the name quite literally calls your little one a “lion-hearted man.” In myth it’s the star-crossed swimmer who braved moonlit waves for his beloved Hero, while in history it’s the gracious Saint Leander of Seville who helped weave Catholic Spain’s early tapestry; together they give the name both romantic shimmer and spiritual depth. Though Leander has never elbowed its way into the U.S. Top 500, the steady trickle of births—about a classroom’s worth each year—shows a quiet cult following that prizes its classical polish and nickname-ready charm (Leo, Anders, or even the jaunty Lee). It’s a name that purrs with elegance in English, rolls off Spanish tongues with lyric grace, and still packs the fearless punch of a lion, so parents looking for something familiar yet delightfully off-beat may find Leander the perfect banner under which their little conquistador can roar.