What Does the Name Andrea Mean?
Andrea derives from the Greek aner, genitive andros ("man"), the same root behind Andrew, and is generally translated as "womanly," "strong," or "courageous" in its use as a feminine name.
The Origin & History of Andrea
Andrea began as the Greek Andreas and Italian Andrea (still used there as a men's name), before being adopted as a feminine form in English, German, and Scandinavian naming traditions. It took hold as a girls' name in the United States in the 1930s and reached its peak of popularity in 1981.
Cultural Reach
Because Andrea remains a standard men's name in Italy and several other European countries, the name carries a distinct dual identity depending on the language -- a detail that often surprises English-speaking parents encountering it abroad.
Famous People Named Andrea
Notable bearers include Andrea Bocelli, the Italian tenor known worldwide for his classical crossover recordings (an example of the name's male use in Italian), and swimmer Andrea Kiss, an Olympic-level competitor.
Nicknames & Variations
Andi, Andy, and Dre are common nicknames. Variants include Andria, Andreea, and Ondrea.
Is Andrea a Good Name in 2026?
Andrea's decades of steady use give it a timeless, dependable feel rather than a trend-driven one, making it a solid choice for parents who want a familiar classic without an obvious decade attached to it.