Philander as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Philander

What is the meaning of the name Philander ?

The baby name Philander is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced fi-LAN-der (IPA: /fɪˈlændər/).

Philander is Greek in Origin.

Philander derives from Greek Philandros, from phil- “loving” + aner/andros “man,” yielding the sense “lover of man,” often softened in English to “friend of mankind” or “affectionate toward men.” The Latinized Philander circulated in classical and humanist usage; variants include Greek Philandros, French Philandre, Italian/Spanish Filandro, and the rare feminine Philandra. Related -ander names include Leander, Lysander, and Evander. Common short form: Phil.

As a given name, Philander saw modest currency in the 17th–19th centuries across the English-speaking world, especially colonial America and the early republic. Bearers include Episcopal bishop Philander Chase, U.S. statesman Philander C. Knox, educator Philander P. Claxton, and benefactor Philander Smith. The English verb philander - “to engage in casual love affairs” - arose in the 1700s from the stock lover-name of Restoration and pastoral literature, which later depressed the name’s fortunes. Today it is rare, chosen for classical flair or family ties.