Vanderlei

A variation of the Dutch surname, Van Der Leij (or Van der Lee), Vanderlei has ranked in the Brazilian Top 500 since the 1930s, reaching its peak in the 1970s when it ranked at #49. Meaning "from the canal", it has a distinctive and rhythmic sound and a an outdoorsy meaning.

Pronounced vun-dehh-LAY in Brazil and vun-dehr-LAY in Europe, alternative spellings include Wanderley, Wanderlei, and Vanderley, all of which have ranked in Brazil at some point. Vanderli and Vanderleia are sometimes used as feminine forms.

The name was possibly introduced to Brazil by the Dutch cavalry captain Caspar van Niehof van der Leij in the 17th century and has since had notable bearers including football coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima, and footballer Vanderlei Francisco.

Pronounced vun-dehh-LAY.

As of November 2026, Vanderlei ranked #12183 for boys in US births in 2012 SSA.