Andrew is an English name of Ancient Greek origin that means “manly,” with related meanings of “brave,” “strong,” “courageous,” and “warrior.” In the study of traditional baby name meanings, it represents a classic masculine choice that has maintained steady prominence across centuries.
Meaning and Origin
The name Andrew developed into modern English by traveling through several historical languages. It began in Ancient Greek as the personal name Ἀνδρέας (Andréas). This name is formed from the Greek noun ἀνήρ (anḗr), which appears as ἀνδρός (andros) in its genitive form, meaning “man.” It is also cognate with the Greek adjective ἀνδρεῖος (andreîos), which translates to “manly.”
Because the Greek root denotes an adult man, the primary definition of Andrew is “manly.” As an outgrowth of that concept, the name carries related interpretations of “brave,” “strong,” “courageous,” and “warrior.” When exploring what the name conveys, these meanings stand as possible translations stemming from the same ancient root. Each represents a different aspect of the personal qualities associated with the original Greek term.
The name expanded across Europe over many centuries. It moved from Ancient Greek into Latin as Andreas. Old English adopted the Latin form Andreas as well. During the medieval period, the name developed in Old French into the forms Andreu and Andrieu. The modern English name Andrew arose directly from those Old French spellings.
Pronunciation
Andrew is pronounced AN-droo in standard American English.
The name consists of two clear syllables. The first syllable, AN, rhymes with plan, ran, and fan. The second syllable, droo, rhymes with blue, true, and through. Natural emphasis falls on the initial syllable, giving the name a steady and familiar rhythm. Both vowels are pronounced clearly in everyday American speech.
Popularity in the United States
Andrew first entered official United States tracking in 1880 and has been most often given to boys, with 1,329,454 American boys receiving the name in total since that year. By 1950, the name held rank number 68 with 4,932 babies, before rising steadily by 1980 to reach rank number 19 with 19,730 babies. The name achieved its highest mark in 1988, claiming a peak rank of number 5. At the start of the twenty-first century, Andrew remained a widespread favorite, placing at rank number 7 in 2000 with 23,658 babies and rank number 14 in 2010 with 14,269 babies. In recent years the name has seen lower numbers, dropping to rank number 52 in 2020 with 6,068 babies and rank number 73 in 2025 with 4,497 babies.
| Year | US rank (boys) | Babies named Andrew |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #68 | 4,932 |
| 1980 | #19 | 19,730 |
| 2000 | #7 | 23,658 |
| 2010 | #14 | 14,269 |
| 2020 | #52 | 6,068 |
| 2025 | #73 | 4,497 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Andrew has several familiar English short forms as well as related doublets from other languages. Andy serves as the most widespread traditional diminutive, offering an approachable everyday alternative. Drew provides a modern one-syllable short form taken from the final sounds of the name.
Beyond these everyday English short forms, the name is connected to several doublets that developed in other tongues, specifically André, Andrei, and Andrey.
Famous People Named Andrew
Several notable figures throughout history have carried the name Andrew:
- Andrew Jackson, who served as president of the United States.
- Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-American industrialist who led the expansion of the steel industry and became a prominent philanthropist.
- Andrew Garfield, the acclaimed actor known for his award-winning roles across major theater and feature film productions.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair well with Andrew include James, Thomas, William, Joseph, and Matthew.
Sibling names that complement Andrew include Benjamin, Samuel, Daniel, Grace, and Charlotte.
FAQ
How many American boys have received the name Andrew in total?
A total of 1,329,454 American boys have received the name Andrew since 1880. The name has been given most often to boys throughout that entire timeframe, making it one of the most widely assigned masculine names in the country.
Which ancient Greek roots form the foundation of Andrew?
Andrew comes directly from the Ancient Greek word aner, with the genitive form andros, meaning man. It is also related to the Ancient Greek word andreios, which translates to manly and provides the basis for meanings such as brave, strong, courageous, and warrior.
How does Andrew’s peak standing compare to its 2025 rank?
Andrew achieved its peak position at rank number 5 in 1988, whereas by 2025 it held rank number 73. That peak placed it among the five most popular names in the nation, while in 2025 it was given to 4,497 baby boys.
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