Andrew is of Greek origin, meaning "manly" or "strong". It is derived from the name Andreas, which was the name given to Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. This name has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures, including three Popes.
In the English-speaking world, Andrew has been a common given name for boys since the Middle Ages. It was particularly popular in Scotland, where it is the name of the patron saint of the country, Saint Andrew. In fact, Scotland's national flag features a white saltire (a diagonal cross) on a blue background, known as the "St. Andrew's Cross".
The name Andrew has several variations and pet forms. Some common ones include Andy, Drew, Sandy, and even Andyke or Andruw in some cultures. It also shares its popularity with other forms such as Andreas, Andrei, and Andrés.
In literature and popular culture, Andrew has been used for characters in various works. For instance, Andrew "Drew" Carey is the protagonist of the television series "The Drew Carey Show", and Andrew "Andy" Griffith is famously known for his role as Andy Taylor in "The Andy Griffith Show". Additionally, it is the name of the main character in the popular novel "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.
Overall, Andrew is a classic and enduring name with a rich historical background and widespread appeal across different cultures and languages.
"Andrew was quite popular as a baby boy name from 1978 to 1988, with an average of around 5 births per year during this period."