Vander is a unique and distinctive name of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch surname "Van der", which means "of the". The "der" part of the name comes from the Middle Dutch word "dere", meaning "of". Therefore, Vander is essentially a shortened form of Van der.
The name Vander has no specific meaning beyond its geographical origin and its connection to the Dutch surname Van der. However, it is often associated with strength, independence, and adventurousness due to its sound and its Dutch heritage.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Vander. One of the most famous is Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, whose full name was Abel Janszoon Tasman. He was the first European to reach New Zealand and Tasmania (then known as Van Diemen's Land), and his voyages played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of the Pacific region.
In literature, Vander also appears as a character in H.G. Wells' novel "The Invisible Man". The protagonist of the story, Griffin, adopts the name Dr. Jack Vanderdecken after escaping from prison.
Today, Vander remains a relatively rare name, but it is gaining popularity as parents seek out unique and distinctive names for their children. Its Dutch origins give it a certain European flair, while its strong sound lends it a sense of power and authority. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, its unique sound, or simply its distinctive nature, Vander is a name that stands out from the crowd.
The name Vander has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1884 and 1934, there were fluctuations in its usage, with an average of about 8 births per year during this period. The highest number of births recorded was 13 in 1923.
From 1935 to 1970, the popularity of Vander continued to fluctuate but at a lower rate, with an average of approximately 6 births per year. There were no years where more than 9 babies named Vander were born during this time frame.
The name began to gain more traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with 7 births each in 1979 and 1985, indicating a growing interest in the name. This trend continued into the 1990s, with a notable peak of 40 births recorded in both 2009 and 2010.
From 2004 onwards, Vander's popularity began to rise significantly. In 2006 and 2007, there were 25 births each year, followed by 38 births in 2008. This upward trend continued through the next decade, reaching a peak of 84 births in 2022.
In total, since 1884 until 2023, there have been 1596 recorded births with the name Vander in the United States.