Philander is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'philanderos', which means 'fond of men'. It was popularized during the Victorian era and has been used sparingly since then, giving it a vintage yet unique appeal. The name Philander has two syllables and ends with the letter 'r', offering a pleasant rhythm when spoken aloud. In literature, it is notably associated with the character Philander in "The Lover's Melancholy" by Aphra Behn. However, today, it remains relatively rare, perhaps preserving its unique charm for those who choose to bear this distinctive name.
The name Philander experienced significant fluctuations in popularity throughout the 20th century. While there were periods of relative popularity, such as from 1962 to 1975 where the number of births ranged from 7 to 15 per year, it seems that this name has largely fallen out of favor in recent decades, with only a handful of births recorded each year since 1987.