Andrew Name Meaning| Origin, Popularity & 210 Name Ideas

The Andrew name meaning is “manly” or “strong” in Greek, derived from andreios and the root aner (man). It is a masculine name borne by the first apostle called by Jesus and remains a classic choice in the English-speaking world.

1. The Core Andrew Name Meaning and Greek Origins

Understanding the Andrew name meaning begins with its Greek roots. The name is the English form of Andreas, derived from andreios, meaning “manly” or “masculine,” which comes from aner, the Greek word for “man” . These names share that foundational sense of strength, masculinity, or classical heritage.

1. Andreas — The Greek original meaning “manly” .
2. Andreios — The Greek adjective root meaning “manly.”
3. Aner — The Greek noun for “man,” the ultimate root .
4. Andre — The French and Portuguese form of Andrew.
5. Andrei — The Russian and Romanian form .
6. Andres — The Spanish form of the name .
7. Andrea — The Italian masculine form, distinct from the English feminine .
8. Anders — The Norwegian and Swedish form .
9. Andreas — The German, Dutch, and Greek form .
10. Andriy — The Ukrainian form of Andrew.
11. Andrzej — The Polish form of the name.
12. Andrés — The accented Spanish spelling.
13. Andie — A unisex Scottish diminutive.
14. Andy — The most common English nickname .
15. Drew — A sophisticated short form .

2. Andrew Name Meaning for Boys: Classic and Modern Choices

For parents seeking a boy’s name that balances heritage with contemporary style, the Andrew name meaning offers a sturdy anchor. These options range from traditional staples to rising favorites that feel fresh without losing substance.

1. Liam — A strong, popular Irish short form.
2. Noah — “Rest,” a top biblical favorite.
3. Ethan — “Strong,” a steady classic.
4. Oliver — A botanical vintage favorite.
5. Elijah — “Yah is God,” a prophetic heavyweight.
6. James — A timeless biblical staple.
7. Benjamin — “Son of the right hand,” warm and steady.
8. Lucas — A light-bringing Latin name.
9. Mason — An occupational surname-name.
10. Levi — “Joined,” a priestly modern favorite.
11. Caleb — “Wholehearted,” a steadfast biblical pick.
12. Isaac — “Laughter,” a patriarch’s name.
13. Silas — “Of the forest,” a rustic New Testament name.
14. Ezra — “Help,” a crisp biblical name.
15. Micah — “Who is like God,” compact and punchy.

3. The Andrew Name Meaning for Girls: Feminine and Unisex Adaptations

While Andrew is overwhelmingly masculine, the Andrew name meaning has inspired feminine forms and sound-alike alternatives. These names capture the “strong” essence or the soft And- sound for daughters.

1. Andrea — The feminine form of Andrew, meaning “manly” .
2. Andrina — A Scottish feminine diminutive of Andrew.
3. Andrine — A Norwegian feminine form.
4. Andriana — A Greek feminine elaboration.
5. Andrienne — A French feminine variant.
6. Andrée — A French feminine form of André.
7. Andy — A unisex nickname, used for girls occasionally.
8. Drew — A unisex short form, popular for girls.
9. Andie — A unisex Scottish diminutive.
10. Alexandra — “Defender of men,” a strong feminine classic.
11. Theodora — “God’s gift,” a strong feminine name.
12. Matilda — “Mighty in battle,” a strong sister name.
13. Valentina — “Strong and healthy,” a Latin feminine name.
14. Briana — “Strong,” a Celtic feminine name.
15. Audrey — “Noble strength,” a vintage feminine classic.

4. Biblical Companions: Names from Andrew’s Story

The Andrew name meaning is inseparable from the New Testament narrative and the apostles who surrounded him. Andrew was the first disciple called by Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter. These names honor that shared biblical history.

1. Peter — Andrew’s brother, the rock of the church .
2. Simon — Peter’s birth name, shared with Andrew.
3. Jesus — The central figure who called Andrew.
4. John — The Baptist, Andrew’s initial teacher.
5. James — A fellow apostle, son of Zebedee.
6. Philip — A fellow apostle from Bethsaida.
7. Nathanael — A fellow apostle, also from Cana.
8. Thomas — A fellow apostle, the doubter.
9. Matthew — A fellow apostle, the tax collector.
10. Judas — A fellow apostle, not Iscariot.
11. Thaddaeus — A fellow apostle, also called Jude.
12. Bartholomew — A fellow apostle.
13. James — The son of Alphaeus, another apostle.
14. Matthias — The apostle chosen after Judas Iscariot.
15. Paul — The great missionary of the early church.

5. Andrew Name Meaning and Sibling Names That Complement It

Choosing a sibling for Andrew means finding names that share his classic, sturdy sound without matching too closely. The Andrew name meaning pairs well with names that are equally grounded, whether they lean traditional or slightly more modern.

1. Emma — A timeless sister classic.
2. Liam — A short, strong brother name.
3. Olivia — A melodic sister favorite.
4. Noah — A soft biblical brother favorite.
5. Charlotte — A royal sister classic.
6. Ethan — A firm biblical brother name.
7. Amelia — A vintage sister with matching cadence.
8. Levi — A priestly brother rising fast.
9. Sophia — A wisdom sister name.
10. Ezra — A crisp biblical brother name.
11. Mia — A short, sweet sister name.
12. Milo — A playful brother option.
13. Clara — “Bright,” a clear sister classic.
14. Theo — “God’s gift,” a warm brother name.
15. Vera — “Faith,” a crisp sister name.

6. Modern Andrew Name Meaning: Stylish and Rising Alternatives

Andrew was a Top 10 US name from 1986 to 2007 and peaked at #3 in England in 1964, but it has declined significantly in recent years . Some parents prefer a name that shares his feel without the same history. The Andrew name meaning inspires these alternatives.

1. Anders — A Scandinavian form with a modern edge.
2. Andre — A French-influenced smooth choice.
3. Andrei — A Russian form with literary weight.
4. Andres — A Spanish form rising in the US.
5. Drew — A short, sophisticated alternative.
6. Andy — A friendly, classic nickname.
7. Jude — A brief, modern biblical classic.
8. Finn — A light, adventurous Irish pick.
9. Milo — A playful, continental alternative.
10. Ezra — A crisp biblical name with a *z* bite.
11. Silas — A rustic New Testament favorite.
12. Levi — A short, priestly rising star.
13. Kai — A short, global name with multiple roots.
14. Arlo — A soft vintage rising star.
15. Theo — “God’s gift,” a friendly short form.

7. Names with the Same Meaning as Andrew Name Meaning

The Andrew name meaning centers on manliness, strength, and masculine virtue. These names carry the same semantic weight across different languages and traditions, offering a way to honor the meaning without using the exact name.

1. Andreas — The Greek original, meaning “manly” .
2. Andreios — The Greek root adjective meaning “manly.”
3. Andrea — The Italian masculine form, same meaning.
4. Anders — The Scandinavian form, same meaning.
5. Andrei — The Russian form, same meaning.
6. Ethan — “Strong,” a Hebrew name with a similar meaning.
7. Gabriel — “God is my strength,” a biblical strong name.
8. Ezekiel — “God strengthens,” a prophetic strong name.
9. Valentina — “Strong and healthy,” a Latin feminine name.
10. Briana — “Strong,” a Celtic feminine name.
11. Matilda — “Mighty in battle,” a strong Germanic name.
12. Audrey — “Noble strength,” an English name.
13. Aiden — “Little fire,” an Irish name of strength.
14. Bernard — “Brave as a bear,” a Germanic strong name.
15. Leonard — “Brave lion,” a Germanic strong name.

8. The Andrew Name Meaning in Global Cultures and Languages

The Andrew name meaning has traveled beyond Greek into many languages, each adapting the sound and spelling. These international forms show how a single name can take on local character while retaining its core identity .

1. Andrew — The standard English spelling.
2. Andreas — The German, Dutch, and Greek form.
3. Andre — The French and Portuguese form.
4. Andrei — The Russian and Romanian form.
5. Andres — The Spanish form.
6. Andrea — The Italian masculine form.
7. Anders — The Norwegian and Swedish form.
8. Andriy — The Ukrainian form.
9. Andrzej — The Polish form.
10. Andrés — The accented Spanish spelling.
11. Andor — The Hungarian form of Andrew.
12. Antero — The Finnish form of Andrew.
13. Andreas — The Greek original.
14. Andy — The universal English nickname.
15. Drew — The sophisticated English short form.

9. Vintage Revival: Names That Share Andrew’s Antique Charm

Andrew sits at the intersection of ancient text and modern nursery. Parents drawn to his old-soul quality may also love these vintage names, which carry a similar sense of history without feeling dusty.

1. Silas — A New Testament name with a rustic feel.
2. Amos — A prophetic book name, short and sturdy.
3. Hosea — “Salvation,” a tender minor prophet.
4. Obadiah — “Servant of Yah,” a weighty Old Testament name.
5. Phineas — “Nubian,” a quirky Victorian revival.
6. Augustus — A Roman imperial name with gravitas.
7. Hattie — A sweet, vintage nickname name.
8. Clement — “Merciful,” a gentle antique choice.
9. Mabel — “Lovable,” a turn-of-the-century favorite.
10. Alfred — “Elf counsel,” a sturdy Anglo-Saxon name.
11. Edith — “Prosperous in war,” a vintage literary name.
12. Grover — A presidential vintage pick.
13. Harriet — “Ruler of the home,” a strong antique.
14. Chester — “Fortress,” a folksy revival.
15. Rufus — “Red-haired,” a Latin vintage gem.

10. Short and Strong: One-Syllable Names Like Andrew

Andrew’s two syllables make it sturdy but complete. These one-syllable names share his brevity and punch, offering siblings or alternatives that feel equally efficient and memorable.

1. Jude — A short, biblical favorite.
2. Finn — A light, adventurous Irish name.
3. Kai — A global short name with multiple roots.
4. Reid — “Red-haired,” a crisp Scottish surname-name.
5. Rhys — A Welsh classic meaning “ardor.”
6. Zane — A sharp western name.
7. Wren — A tiny bird name with a big personality.
8. Blake — “Black” or “pale,” a unisex surname-name.
9. Cruz — “Cross,” a Spanish short name.
10. Dax — A French place-name with a modern edge.
11. Jett — A sleek, aviation-inspired name.
12. Knox — A Scottish surname with a hard *x*.
13. Miles — “Soldier,” a smooth one-syllable option.
14. Pierce — An English surname-name with polish.
15. Tate — A short, friendly surname-name.

11. The Andrew Name Meaning in Literature and Popular Culture

The Andrew name meaning has inspired writers and creators, giving the name a presence in fiction, film, and history that goes beyond its biblical roots. These names belong to characters, artists, or creators who share Andrew’s cultural footprint.

1. Andrew Jackson — The 7th U.S. President .
2. Andrew Johnson — The 17th U.S. President .
3. Andrew Carnegie — Industrialist and philanthropist .
4. Andrew Lloyd Webber — Celebrated composer .
5. Andrew Wyeth — Renowned American painter .
6. Andy Warhol — Iconic pop artist (born Andrew) .
7. Andrew Stanton — Pixar director of Finding Nemo .
8. Andrew VanWyngarden — MGMT frontman .
9. Andrew Zimmern — Travel Channel host .
10. Andrew — A character in The West Wing (Andrew “Andy” Wyatt).
11. Andrew — A character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Andrew Wells).
12. Andrew — A character in Desperate Housewives (Andrew Van de Kamp).
13. Andrew — A character in The Walking Dead (Andrew the prisoner).
14. Andrew — A recurring name in Grey’s Anatomy.
15. Andrew — A name in the Fate franchise.

12. Nature-Inspired Names for Families Who Love Andrew Name Meaning

The Andrew name meaning of “manly” and “strong” connects to a broader sense of ruggedness and natural resilience. These nature names share a similar grounded, earthy quality without being overtly classical.

1. Rowan — A tree name with Celtic roots.
2. Willow — A graceful, water-loving tree.
3. Sage — A fragrant herb and wisdom name.
4. Juniper — A hardy evergreen shrub.
5. Ash — A strong, simple tree name.
6. Birch — A slender, white-barked tree.
7. Cedar — A fragrant, durable wood.
8. Flint — A hard stone with a rugged feel.
9. Hollis — “Near the holly trees,” an English surname-name.
10. Linden — A soft-wooded shade tree.
11. Marlow — “Driftwood,” a surname with a nature link.
12. Orion — A constellation with hunter mythology.
13. Reed — A water plant and surname-name.
14. Sorrel — A leafy herb with a reddish hue.
15. Wade — “To go,” a name linked to rivers.

13. Uncommon Andrew Name Meaning Alternatives for the Bold

Some parents love Andrew’s sound but want a name that fewer children will share. These uncommon alternatives retain a similar rhythm, classical undertone, or Greek weight while remaining firmly outside the top hundred.

1. Andreas — The Greek original, rare in English .
2. Andrei — The Russian form, uncommon in English.
3. Andriy — The Ukrainian form, rare outside Ukraine.
4. Andrzej — The Polish form, uncommon in English.
5. Andor — The Hungarian form of Andrew.
6. Antero — The Finnish form of Andrew.
7. Anders — The Scandinavian form, distinct from Andrew.
8. Andre — The French form, less common than Andrew.
9. Andres — The Spanish form, outside the top hundred.
10. Andrea — The Italian masculine form, rare in English.
11. Andriana — A Greek feminine elaboration.
12. Andrina — A Scottish feminine diminutive.
13. Andrine — A Norwegian feminine form.
14. Andrée — A French feminine form.
15. Andie — A unisex diminutive, uncommon as a full name.

14. Making the Final Choice: How the Andrew Name Meaning Guides You

The Andrew name meaning “manly” and “strong” offers a classic, sturdy values statement for a child. Whether you choose Andrew itself, a Greek companion, or a modern alternative, let the meaning and sound guide you toward a name that feels both timeless and right for your family.

1. Consider the sound with your surname — Test “Andrew [Last Name]” aloud.
2. Check the initials — Ensure they don’t spell an awkward word.
3. Think about nicknames — Andy or Drew offer flexibility .
4. Look at sibling sets — Pair with Emma, Liam, or Olivia.
5. Verify the meaning you value — “Strong” may resonate personally.
6. Explore international forms — Andreas or Andrei offer variety.
7. Check local popularity — Andrew ranks #73 in the US and #334 in England .
8. Read his biblical story — Andrew was the first apostle called .
9. Imagine it at different ages — From toddler to adult.
10. Write it with a middle name — Andrew James or Andrew Reid.
11. Say it in your accent — The two syllables flow differently by region.
12. Search for family connections — A relative named Andrew honors heritage.
13. Trust your instinct — The name should feel like a fit.
14. Keep a shortlist — Andrew pairs well with many styles.
15. Decide with confidence — A meaningful name is a lasting gift.

FAQs

What does the name Andrew mean literally?
Andrew is the English form of the Greek Andreas, derived from andreios, meaning “manly” or “masculine,” which comes from aner, the Greek word for “man.” Most references settle on “manly” or “strong” as the direct translation .

Is Andrew a boy’s name?
Yes. Andrew is overwhelmingly a masculine name. It has been used almost exclusively for boys throughout its recorded history, though a tiny number of female births have been recorded under the name, often as a unique modern choice .

Is Andrew a popular name right now?
Andrew remains a common name but has declined significantly. It ranked #73 in the US in 2025, down from its Top 10 peak (1986–2007). In England and Wales, it crashed to #334 in 2025 with just 127 births, its lowest ranking on record .

Who was Andrew in the Bible?
Andrew was one of the twelve apostles and the first disciple called by Jesus. He was a Galilean fisherman and the brother of Simon Peter. According to tradition, he preached in the Black Sea region and was crucified on an X-shaped cross .

What are good middle names for Andrew?
Short, classic middle names work well: Andrew James, Andrew Reid, Andrew Hayes, Andrew Blake, or Andrew Jude. For a more distinctive feel, try Andrew Nathaniel, Andrew Theodore, or Andrew Augustine.

What are common nicknames for Andrew?
The most common nicknames are Andy and Drew. Andy is the friendly, classic short form, while Drew adds a layer of sophistication. Other options include Andie and the international forms Andre and Andrei .

Is Andrew a Greek name?
Yes. Andrew is of Greek origin, derived from Andreas. It entered English through the biblical tradition and has cognates in many languages, including Andre (French), Andrei (Russian), Andres (Spanish), and Anders (Scandinavian) .

What is the spiritual meaning of Andrew?
Spiritually, the name points to strength and courageous faith. Andrew was the first apostle to follow Jesus and brought his brother Peter to Christ. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Greece, symbolizing missionary zeal and steadfastness .

Conclusion

The Andrew name meaning rooted in the Greek word for “manly” and “strong” offers more than a definition. It carries a legacy of apostolic courage, industrial achievement, and artistic brilliance. Whether you are drawn to his biblical weight, his two-syllable sturdiness, or his complex modern popularity, Andrew is a name with substantial history.

Use the 210 names in this guide to explore sibling options, international variants, and spiritual companions. Let the meaning guide you toward a choice that feels both strong and enduring for your family.

Mia Kensington

Mia Kensington is a name and nickname enthusiast at NicknameCorner.com, she writes helpful guides on cute nicknames, baby names, usernames and creative name ideas, making it easier for readers to find names that feel unique, meaningful and memorable.