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Anders Boy

Popularity: #638 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationAN-ders / ˈændərz

Scandinavian; Dutch

Meaning

Scandinavian: 'man' or 'warrior'; Dutch: 'brave' or 'strong'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Anders is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means "man" or "warrior." The name Andreas entered Latin as Andreas and was subsequently adopted into Old Norse as Andri, which evolved into Anders in the Scandinavian languages. This transition reflects the linguistic shifts that occurred as the Norse peoples interacted with both Latin and Germanic languages throughout the early Middle Ages. The name was introduced to English-speaking regions through the influence of Scandinavian settlers and missionaries, particularly during the Viking Age and later through the Reformation.

Historically, the name Anders has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and scholars. One of the most significant historical milestones is the veneration of Saint Andrew, the apostle, who is recognized in Christian tradition as the patron saint of Scotland and is celebrated on his feast day, November 30. The name gained prominence in various forms across Europe, especially during the Middle Ages, as Christianity spread and the cult of saints became more established. In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation further popularized the name in Scandinavia, where it was often used in religious contexts.

Culturally, Anders has resonated within Scandinavian folklore and literature, symbolizing strength and valor. The name has been associated with various traditional tales and has appeared in numerous literary works, reinforcing its significance in the cultural heritage of the region. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Andy or Andi have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability and enduring appeal. Overall, Anders encapsulates a rich historical and cultural narrative that underscores its importance in Scandinavian identity.

Trend Summary

Anders has seen a steady presence in the U.S. but remains less common compared to other names.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Andersson
  • Anderssen

International Variants

  • André (French)
  • Andreas (Greek)
  • Andersson (Swedish)

Famous people named Anders

Anders Celsius is a physicist and astronomer best known for developing the Celsius temperature scale.

Anders Breivik is a criminal best known for the 2011 Norway attacks.

Anders Lindback is a professional ice hockey player best known for playing as a goaltender in the NHL.

Fictional characters named Anders

Anders is a fictional character from the video game series Dragon Age. He is a mage and a key figure in the story, known for his complex personality and moral dilemmas.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Anders was first seen in the United States in 1912. Anders has ranked as high as #1080 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in Minnesota, California, Washington, New York, and Utah. In the past 5 years the name Anders has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Anders (2024)

StateBirthsShare
MN 27
12%
CA 27
12%
TX 20
9%
WA 18
8%
FL 14
6%
MI 13
6%
UT 13
6%
NC 13
6%
NY 10
4%
AZ 9
4%
IN 8
4%
ND 7
3%
IL 7
3%
AK 6
3%
VA 6
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19125
19137
19146
19155
191610
19179
19188
19197
192010
19215
192210
19235
19259
19275
19298
19317
19325
19346
193610
19375
19397
19416
19426
194310
19449
19457
19469
19476
19489
19497
195012
19517
19527
195312
195411
195511
195615
195717
19588
195915
196021
196122
196218
196317
196424
196515
196612
196722
196815
196923
197032
197129
197224
197323
197421
197532
197626
197733
197842
197939
198029
198148
198242
198360
198444
198567
198675
198768
198880
198972
199085
199187
199285
199380
199486
1995102
1996122
199791
199896
1999123
2000133
2001109
2002118
2003153
2004139
2005127
2006186
2007153
2008174
2009137
2010214
2011207
2012230
2013235
2014316
2015293
2016278
2017290
2018290
2019239
2020278
2021262
2022283
2023287
2024297