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Home › Baby Names Directory › Philander

Philander

♂ Boy

Pronounced fih-LAN-der /fɪˈlæn.dər/Medium

Meaning: Philander comes from Greek Philandros, joining philos ('loving, dear') with andros ('man'), for a sense of 'loving man' or 'friend of mankind.' It was a respectable classical given name in earlier America, before the word 'philanderer' colored it.Medium

In 30 seconds: Philander is Greek for 'loving man' or 'friend of mankind.' A dignified early-American name, later shadowed by the word 'philanderer' (said fih-LAN-der).
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningPhilander comes from Greek Philandros, joining philos ('loving, dear') with andros ('man'), for a sense of 'loving man' or 'friend of mankind.' It was a respectable classical given name in earlier America, before the word 'philanderer' colored it.
U.S. rank (2004)#12739 ↘ Falling
2004 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1964
Total births (all-time)≈ 297

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196419102004

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Philander comes from Greek Philandros - philos ('loving') plus andros ('man') - meaning 'loving man' or 'friend of mankind.' In the eighteen- and early nineteen-hundreds it was an earnest classical choice, though the later verb 'to philander' pushed it out of fashion.

It was always uncommon, given to only about fifteen boys a year even at its small peak, and it faded across the twentieth century as its sound-alike verb spread. A Philander from its heyday would be of a great-grandparent's generation now.

Did you know? Two prominent Americans wore it plainly: statesman Philander Knox and Episcopal bishop Philander Chase - a reminder the name once read as scholarly, not scandalous.
Overall data confidence 55%
References - Philander — Greek Philandros 'loving man'; bearers Philander Knox, Philander Chase; verb 'philander' later colored it

Variations

FilanderPhilandros

Nicknames

Phil

Famous Bearers

  • ★Philander Knox (1853-1921)
    US Senator, Attorney General, and Secretary of State

If you like Philander…

Philemon— a like Greek phil- name
Alexander— a similar classical -ander name
Leander— a like Greek -ander boy's name
Ambrose— a like scholarly antique name

Explore names like Philander

By themeraregreekclassicalantique

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Philander mean?

It comes from Greek Philandros, 'loving man' or 'friend of mankind' (philos + andros).

How do you pronounce Philander?

It is said fih-LAN-der /fɪˈlæn.dər/ - three syllables, stress on the middle.

Is Philander a boy or girl name?

Philander is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Philander?

It has always been rare, given to only about fifteen boys a year even at its peak.

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