Lander is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It was popularized by the explorer and surveyor Ferdinand Vandeveer (also spelled Vanderveer) who was known as "Landers" due to his land surveying activities in the early 19th century.
The name Landers is derived from the English word "lander," which means one who surveys or measures land. This connection gives the name a strong association with exploration, mapping, and pioneers who helped shape the American frontier.
While not as common as many other names, Lander has been used throughout history in various forms such as Landon, Landen, Landau, and Landsberg. However, it was Ferdinand Vandeveer's adoption of the nickname "Landers" that popularized this unique name in America during the 19th century.
Today, the name Lander continues to be associated with exploration and discovery due to its historical roots. It is a strong and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different yet meaningful for their child.
The name Landers has had a fluctuating popularity in the United States over the past century, with a total of 82 births recorded since 1921. The highest peak in popularity occurred in 1947 and 1965, with 6 births each year. However, it seems that the name's popularity has been decreasing since the late 20th century, with only 5 births each in 1983, 2000, 2015, and 2022.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Landers has managed to maintain a consistent presence in the United States. It is interesting to note that there were no recorded births with the name Landers between 1966 and 1982, indicating a gap in its popularity during those years.
Overall, while the name Landers may not be one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States today, it has a rich history and has been given to at least 82 individuals over the past century. It will be interesting to see if its popularity continues to fluctuate or begins to rise again in future years.
Sources:
* Social Security Administration data on U.S. naming trends (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/limits.html)
* Behind the Name - Landers (https://www.behindthename.com/name/Landers)