Andrew is a popular given name of English origin that has been widely used for centuries. It is derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means "manly" or "mighty." The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has since become a staple among English-speaking countries.
The name Andrew has a rich history with numerous notable figures throughout time. One of the most famous Andrews is Saint Andrew, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ according to Christian tradition. He is considered the patron saint of Scotland and his feast day is celebrated on November 30th. Another notable figure named Andrew is the Scottish philosopher and historian Thomas Carlyle, born in 1795.
In literature, Andrew appears as a character in several works such as "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, "Andrew's Brain" by E.M. Forster, and even Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," where Andrew Aguecheek is a comedic character. The name has also been used in popular culture, such as the character Andrew "Dice" Clay in the movie "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane."
Today, Andrew remains a popular choice for parents looking to name their sons. It has consistently ranked among the top 100 baby boy names in the United States since the early 20th century. Variations of the name include Andy, Drew, and even the Italian form Andrea, which is used for both males and females.
In conclusion, Andrew is a strong and enduring name with a long history stretching back centuries. With its English origins and numerous famous bearers throughout time, it continues to be a beloved choice among parents today.
The name Andrew experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, its prevalence was relatively low, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1881 to 1936. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1930s and peaked in popularity between the mid-1970s and early 1980s, with over 200 births annually during this period. The name reached its zenith in 1979, with an impressive total of 127 births recorded that year. Since then, Andrew's popularity has steadily declined, reaching a low point of just seven births in both 2021 and 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 4944 births named Andrew from 1881 to 2023.