André is a masculine given name of French origin and meaning. It is derived from the Old French name Andreas, which in turn comes from the Greek name Ἀνδρέας (Andreas). The Greek name means "manly" or "courageous," deriving from the element ἀνήρ (anēr), meaning "man."
The name André has been used throughout history and across various cultures. It was borne by several notable figures, such as André the Coptic, a Christian martyr of the 4th century; André Bessette (1845-1937), a Holy Cross brother who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church; and André Breton (1896-1966), a French poet and one of the founders of Surrealism.
In some cases, Andre can also be used as a surname. It originated as an occupational name for a man who was brave or strong, or perhaps as a nickname for someone with the qualities associated with the name.
Today, André remains a popular choice among parents looking for a name that is classic yet distinct. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States since record-keeping began in the early 20th century. Despite its French origin, André is used around the world and can be found in various spellings such as Andrei, Andrej, Andrés, and Andrea when used as a feminine name.
In summary, André is a strong and distinguished name with ancient roots and widespread appeal. Its meaning conveys courage and manliness, qualities that have likely contributed to its enduring popularity over the centuries.
The name Andre experienced a significant rise in popularity over the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, with a notable spike occurring around the 1950s and 1960s when it became one of the most popular names for newborn boys. However, since the early 1970s, its usage has gradually declined, although it remains relatively common even today.