The baby name Evander looks like an Evan-Alexander smoosh. But it comes with a fascinating history all its own.
Thanks to Sarah for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
GOOD MAN
The baby name Evander isn’t related to Evan.
Instead, Evander shares root with Alexander.
Euandros comes from the Greek eu – good – and andros – man.
And so Alexander is defender of men, and Evander is just a straight-up good man.
Wouldn’t you know it?
The baby name Evander is hard to find.
ANCIENT WORLD
Ancient myth tells us that Euandros was a good guy.
The Greek hero founded a settlement near what would eventually become Rome.
Evander hailed from Arcadia. Depending on who you ask, his dad was the messenger god Hermes or Mercury, or possibly just a regular ol’ king.
Regardless, the son did pretty well for himself – not only did he start a new city, he also introduced the Greek alphabet, their system of laws and justice, and their gods to the future seat of the Roman Empire. He also features in the events of the Trojan War.
Other Evanders were plentiful, including a scholar from Athens and another in Crete.
Little wonder the creators of HBO/BBC original series Rome picked it up as a character name.
COLONIAL AMERICA
Ancient names have always inspired parents. Colonial America had its share of men answering to Homer and Virgil and Hercules.
No surprise, then, that the baby name Evander is sometimes found in US Census records.
IOMHAR and IVARR
The baby name Evander might also serve as an English language equivalent of the Scottish name Iomhar.
Iomhar, in turn, comes from the Old Norse Ivarr.
There’s no linguistic connection. Instead, similar-sounding names were often used as substitutes across languages.
BY the NUMBERS
Despite a long history of use, the baby name Evander appears in only the tiniest of numbers.
It appeared in the US Top 1000 just once, in 1895. Until, that is 2021, when it returned to the list at #767.
WALL
Back in the late nineteenth century, the fabulously wealthy Evander Wall spent his fortune on clothing.
It’s said he owned 5,000 neckties.
Wall would’ve been a social media-friendly socialite long before Instagram.
Later in life, Wall and his wife lived as expats in Paris, keeping company with figures like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
His extravagant name suits him, but it’s not clear why Evander Wall received his unusual name. His siblings answered to the more conventional James and Louise.
HOLYFIELD
Born in Alabama in 1962, Evander Holyfield became a successful boxer. He won Olympic bronze in 1984. In 1990, he became the world heavyweight champion.
The baby name Evander rose as Holyfield’s career flourished. 55 boys received the name in 1992, a new high.
ON THE VERGE
Holyfield’s success wasn’t enough to push the baby name Evander into the US Top 1000.
But lately, sound alone might take the name higher.
In 2020, 193 boys received the name – an all-time high.
With Evan and Alexander so well-established, and names like Everett and Oliver so popular, Evander fits right in.
If you’re looking for stylish rarities, Evander could be the on-trend, under-the-radar name you’re after.
What do you think of the baby name Evander?
First published on October 11, 2011, this post was revised and republished on December 7, 2021.
Evander has an almost ‘edgy’ feel to him, which likely appeals to the many parents who opt to use him over Alexander or even Evan.
Anders and Andrew are family names. If this generation didn’t already have THREE Andrews, I’d consider Evander, but it’s too similar. As others have mentioned, I’m very surprised the name isn’t used more often, it’s a very nice name.
Harold LeVander was a governor of Minnesota. I’m only mentioning him so I can bring up that his widow was blessed with the name Iantha LeVander.
I had this on my list before my son was born, but my husband wasn’t on board–it was a cross between “like the boxer?” and “that’s a little out there”–still, I think it’s much more usable than many other Greek mythology type names, like Leander and Lysander (also on my list), precisely because Holyfield makes it simultaneously more familiar and less precious.
I have long had a love affair with the names Evander and Lysander, both are amazing. I also like the idea of Vander or Van as a nickname. I don’t know if the boxer is what most people would think of right away, though.
Sarah A-I don’t want Cordelia to get popular! I have had it as my top choice for years and if it got popular before I had a chance to use it, I might cry! Let’s keep Cordelia on the down low for now, kay?
Thanks for profiling this Abby! Evander reminds me much of names like Cordelia – I am in utter disbelief at how underused it continues to be.
We first heard Evander on HBO’s Rome and right on our long list he went. We love that he sounds ancient without being so overt, like Octavius or Tiberius. Evander is aces 🙂
Oh, and now I’m loving Van as a nn, totally hadn’t thought of that!
I’m a fan of names like Arturius and Octavian. Oldies (really oldies) but goodies.
I quite like it actually, but then I do like the name Evan. I’d pick the nickname Evy.
Or Vandy actually.
Loving Evander right now! Especially with the nickname Van… 🙂
I’m guessing there’s some kind of connection with Lysander here too. Evander is very cool – like a knight of the Round Table or a heavyweight boxer. Powerful but chivalrous.
‘ve never considered this name before your blog, but I find that I quite like it. The spelling reminds me of Lavender, which might be a no-no for some for its feminine association , but I don’t mind at all. Maybe it’s because I grew up with a male LaVender.
Also, I can imagine a teenage Evander going by the NN Vander or even Vader. I know I definitely would go by Vader ;D
I think this is such a handsome name! And Van would make a great nn.
I wonder if parents worry it will sound too much like female names such as Amanda or Miranda?