Leendert

Leendert is a masculine given name of Dutch origin. It is the Dutch form of Leonard, which in turn derives from the Latin Leonardus, based on Germanic elements meaning “lion” and “brave.” The name has been attested in Dutch and Flemish records since the Middle Ages and remains part of naming traditions in the Netherlands and Belgium.

In everyday use, Leendert is typically masculine and is often shortened to Len or Leen. It is sometimes found in compound names, such as Leendert-Jan, and may appear in historical Latinized spellings in church records. The name has close relatives in other languages, including Leonard and Leander; in Dutch, Leendert is the conventional version of Leonard.

Today Leendert is regarded as traditional rather than a contemporary choice for newborns, with many parents preferring shorter forms. It continues to appear in genealogical sources and among older generations in Dutch-speaking regions. See also Leonard, Leonardus, Leander.