Andy is a short form of the name Andrew, which has English origins. It was derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "bold". The name Andy has been popular for centuries and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history.
The earliest known use of the name Andy can be traced back to the 14th century in Scotland. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that the name began to gain popularity in England. It is believed that this increase in popularity was due to the influence of the Stuart Dynasty, who had several members named Andrew.
The name Andy has been particularly popular in America since the early 20th century. According to Social Security records, it reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, when it was consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys.
Throughout history, Andy has been associated with several notable figures, including American musician Andy Warhol and British author C.S. Lewis, who wrote under the pen name "Jack" but was born Clive Staples Lewis. The name also gained popularity in pop culture through characters such as Andy Griffith, star of the popular 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show," and Andy Dwyer, a character on the hit NBC comedy series "Parks and Recreation."
Today, Andy remains a popular choice for parents looking for a short, simple, yet classic name for their sons. Its meaning and origins make it a strong and bold choice that has stood the test of time.
Over the course of a century (1917-2023), the name Andy has seen fluctuating popularity with a total of 1244 babies given this name. The years 1958 to 1960 marked a significant peak in popularity, with 24 births each year. However, it wasn't until 2015 that the name reached another high point with 35 births, followed by even higher numbers in subsequent years: 42 in 2019, 38 in 2022, and 36 in 2023. Despite these recent increases, Andy has consistently been a less common choice compared to other names throughout the century.