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Evander

♂ Boy

Pronounced ee-VAN-der /ɪˈvæn.dər/High

Meaning: Good man; from Greek eu (good) and aner/andros (man)High

In 30 seconds: A bold and literary name from both Greek myth and Scottish Gaelic tradition, Evander means 'good man' and carries a heroic, ancient gravitas that feels fresh today.
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Origin HighGreek, Scottish Gaelic
MeaningGood man; from Greek eu (good) and aner/andros (man)
U.S. rank (2025)#698 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births389 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,197

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518882025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Evander derives from the Greek Euandros, combining eu (good) and aner (man). In Greek mythology, Evander was an Arcadian hero who emigrated to Italy and established a settlement on the Palatine Hill, later the heart of Rome. His friendship with Aeneas and role in Roman pre-history gave the name immense classical weight.

As a given name, Evander was used in Scotland as an Anglicisation of the Gaelic Iomhar (a form of Ivar, meaning bow warrior). The two traditions converged on the same spelling, giving Evander dual roots. In modern times it gained broader attention through boxing champion Evander Holyfield and has been rising as a heroic vintage revival name.

Did you know? In Roman mythology, Evander was an Arcadian king who founded a city on the future site of Rome — giving the name an epic founding-of-civilization backstory.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Evander — etymology and mythologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Evangelos

Nicknames

VanEvan

Famous Bearers

  • ★Evander Holyfield (1962–present)
    American professional boxer; four-time heavyweight world champion.

If you like Evander…

Leander— same Greek mythological feel with the -ander ending
Lysander— fellow ancient Greek compound name with heroic character
Alistair— shares the bold, literary Scottish-classical crossover appeal
Caspian— another grand, adventurous-sounding name with ancient roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Evander mean?

Evander is a Greek name meaning 'good man,' from eu (good) and aner (man). In myth he was an Arcadian king who helped found Rome.

How do you pronounce Evander?

It is said ee-VAN-der /ɪˈvæn.dər/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Evander a boy or girl name?

Evander is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Evander?

Evander ranked around #698 in the U.S. in 2025 and has been rising steadily.