What Does the Name Andrew Mean?
Andrew comes from the Greek name Andreas, derived from andreios, meaning manly or courageous, which in turn stems from the root aner (genitive andros), meaning man. The name has long carried connotations of strength, valor, and steadiness. Because of these associations, Andrew has been read for centuries as a name signaling reliability and quiet confidence rather than flash.
The Origin & History of Andrew
The name owes its enduring popularity to Saint Andrew the Apostle, a fisherman and brother of Simon Peter, who became one of the first followers of Jesus. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, and Ukraine, and the diagonal Saint Andrew's Cross features on the Scottish flag. Carried across Europe by Christianity, the name took many national forms and became a mainstay in English-speaking countries, where it has been in continuous use since the medieval period.
Personality & Traits
Andrew is often perceived as grounded, approachable, and dependable. The name projects a friendly seriousness, an everyman quality that fits both a boardroom and a backyard. Parents drawn to Andrew tend to appreciate names that feel established and unpretentious, ones that a child can grow into as easily at five as at fifty.
Famous People Named Andrew
Notable bearers include Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States; Andrew Carnegie, the industrialist and philanthropist; Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of musical theater; and Andrew Garfield, the acclaimed stage and film actor. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is a member of the British royal family. The name's broad reach across politics, business, and the arts reflects its long-standing versatility.
Nicknames & Variations
Common nicknames for Andrew include Andy, Drew, and occasionally Dre. International variants abound: Andreas in German and Greek, Andre in French, Anders in Scandinavian countries, Andrei in Russian and Romanian, Andres in Spanish, and Andrea in Italian. This wide family of forms makes Andrew easy to adapt across languages and cultures.
Is Andrew a Good Name in 2026?
Andrew remains an excellent choice in 2026: familiar without being trendy, dignified without being stiff, and equipped with friendly nicknames like Andy and Drew. It suits a wide range of personalities and ages gracefully. Its clean, balanced spelling also looks lovely rendered on a name necklace, whether written in full or shortened to Drew.