Last Name Andrei

The surname Andrei is of Slavic origin, derived from the given name Andrew, which means "manly" and "strong." It's a common surname in several Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Romania. The name has its roots in Christianity, as Saint Andrew the Apostle is one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament of the Bible. Over time, this name evolved into a surname as a result of various naming practices and migrations within Eastern Europe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Andrei

The meaning and origin of the last name Andrei

The surname Andrei has Slavic origins, specifically associated with Eastern European countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is derived from the given name Andrej or Andrew, which means "manly" or "brave" in Greek. In the context of Slavic languages, Andrei is often translated as "male warrior."

The name became widespread among Christians after Saint Andrew the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ according to the New Testament. Andrew's name and subsequently, the surname Andrei, have been associated with Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe, where the religion played a significant role in shaping personal and family identities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Andrei

The surname Andrei is predominantly of Slavic origin, most commonly associated with Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine. It is also found among the Russian diaspora in various parts of the world, including North America, Western Europe, and Australia, due to historical migration events such as the Russian Revolution and the subsequent displacement of people. Additionally, the name has been adopted by individuals of other ethnicities who appreciate its Slavic heritage or have associations with Russian culture. In Russia, it is most common in central and northern regions, while in Ukraine, it is more prevalent in the western and eastern parts of the country. Globally, Andrei ranks among the top 500 most common surnames.

Variants and spellings of the last name Andrei

The name Andrei is primarily of Slavic origin and is commonly found among Eastern European populations, particularly Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Romanians. It is derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means "man" or "warrior."

In terms of variations and spellings, there are several forms of Andrei in various languages:

1. Russian: Андрей (Andrey)
2. Ukrainian: Андрій (Andriy)
3. Belarusian: Андрэй (Andrej)
4. Romanian: Andrei
5. Polish: Andrzej
6. Bulgarian and Macedonian: Андреј (Andrej)
7. Serbian, Croatian, Slovene, Czech, and Slovak: Andrej
8. Estonian: Andres
9. Hungarian: Endre
10. Lithuanian: Antanas (a traditional Lithuanian form derived from the name Andrew)

There may also be slight variations in spelling based on regional dialects or phonetic transliteration, such as Andrei becoming Andrėj in some Baltic languages. Additionally, the name can sometimes be found with diacritics or without, depending on the context and language.

Famous people with the last name Andrei

Notable individuals with the surname Andrei include:

1. Andrei Sakharov (1921-1989), a Soviet nuclear physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, known for his activism in human rights and political dissent against the Soviet Union.
2. Andrei Tarkovsky (1932-1986), a Russian film director, screenwriter, and film theorist, considered one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. His films, such as "Andrei Rublev" and "Solaris," explored philosophical, spiritual, and existential themes.
3. Andrei Shevchenko (born 1976), a Ukrainian professional footballer who played for several European clubs and the Ukrainian national team. He won multiple league titles in Spain, Italy, and England, and represented Ukraine at two FIFA World Cups.
4. Andrei Codrescu (1946-2015), a Romanian-born American poet, essayist, radio host, and cultural commentator, known for his work on NPR's All Things Considered and as the author of books such as "The Disappearance of the Soul" and "The Art of Hunger."
5. Andrei Gheorgiu (born 1983), a Romanian-American baritone opera singer who has performed with major opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He won the Plácido Domingo Operalia competition in 2004 and has recorded several operas and recitals.

Genealogical research on the last name Andrei

The surname Andrei, of Slavic origin, is derived from the masculine given name Andrej, a variant of Andrew. The name's earliest known usage can be traced back to medieval Russia, where it was popular among Orthodox Christians due to Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles and the patron saint of Russia. Over time, the surname spread across Eastern Europe, including countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Notable figures with the last name Andrei include Russian physicist Pyotr Andreyevich Lebedev, Ukrainian politician Volodymyr Andriyovych Andryshchenko, and Russian cosmonaut Andrian Nikolayev. Genetic studies suggest that individuals with the surname Andrei may share common haplogroups typical of Eastern Slavic populations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Andrei"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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