Leandro: Historical Roots, Renaissance Revival, and Spanish Tradition

Name not very common in Italy, unlike Spain. Of Greek origin, it derives from Léandros, a name composed of Léos, an Attic and Ionic variant of Laòs (people), and from aner – andròs (man), meaning “man of the people”. This name fell into a kind of oblivion for a long time.

Rediscovery during the Renaissance

It was “resurrected” during the Renaissance thanks to humanists and their love for classical mythology. Leandro, a young man in love with Ero, a beautiful priestess of Aphrodite, swam across the Hellespont every night to embrace his beloved.

Legend of Leandro and Ero

But one night, a strong wind extinguished the torch Ero was lighting to guide him in the darkness, and he drowned. When the priestess saw Leandro’s corpse washed up on the beach, she threw herself into the sea and died as well.

Spanish Tradition

In Spain, there is even a sweet called “yemas de San Leandro”.