Lisandro is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Lysander, a name of ancient Greek origin. Lysander (Λύσανδρος, Lysandros) derives from the Greek elements λύσις (lysis), meaning "a release" or "loosening," and ἀνήρ (aner), meaning "man." The name thus carries the figurative sense of "liberator" or "one who frees." The historical figure Lysander was a Spartan general and naval commander in the late 5th century BC, known for his decisive victory over the Athenians at Aegospotami in 405 BC, which ended the Peloponnesian War. Etymology and Background While the English cognate Lysander is rare, its Romance forms Lisandro (Portuguese) and Lisandro (Spanish) are more common. In Italian, Lisandro appears as a given name equivalent to Lysander and, in archaic Romanesco dialect, as a variant of Alessandro (Alexander). The Italian forms are less frequently used than in Iberian languages. The name's etymology is transparently Greek and connects to a tradition of names emphasizing strength and liberation, common in Spartan onomastics. Notable Bearers Perhaps the most illustrious bearer of the name is Lysander (died 395 BC), the Spartan admiral who established Spartan hegemony in the Aegean after the Peloponnesian War. Modern namesakes include Argentine footballer Lisandro Martínez (born 1998), who plays as a center-back for Manchester United, and Spanish-born Argentine film director Lisandro Alonso (born 1975), known for minimalist art-house films. Cultural Significance Lisandro is also found in Renaissance literature; Lisandro is a character in several Italian commedia dell'arte scenarios. The name never reached the popularity of its cognate in Spanish-speaking countries like Ernesto (Ernest) or Renato, but remains in stable use, particularly in South America. In the United States, Lisandro is very uncommon, often carried by families of Hispanic heritage. Meaning: form of Lysander ("release" + "man") Origin: Greek (via Latin) Type: given name Usage regions: Spanish-speaking Americas, Portugal, Brazil; less common in Italy Feminine counterpart: Lisandra