Last Name Andrew

The last name "Andrew" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name Andrew, which itself comes from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "man" or "warrior." The name Andrew has biblical connections to the apostle Andrew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The surname Andrew could have originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from the first name of an ancestor. It is also possible that it originated as a locational surname, derived from a place name. Overall, the last name Andrew has a long history and is found across different regions of the world, especially in Scotland and other English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Andrew

The meaning and origin of the last name Andrew

The surname Andrew is of Scottish and English origin, derived from the given name Andrew, which itself comes from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "man" or "manly." It is believed to have been introduced to England and Scotland by the Normans following the 1066 Norman Conquest. The name was popularized by the apostle Andrew, who was Peter's brother and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In Scotland, the surname Andrew is associated with several prominent clans, such as the Clan Ross and Clan MacAndrew. Over time, the surname Andrew has evolved into different variations, including Andrews, Anderson, Henderson, and McAndrew. Today, individuals with the surname Andrew can be found worldwide, and the name often represents a proud ancestry rooted in Scottish or English history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Andrew

The surname "Andrew" has a varied geographical distribution across the world. As a relatively common surname, it can be found in multiple countries and regions. In the United Kingdom, Andrew is frequently encountered, particularly in Scotland, as it is a popular surname there. It is also present in significant numbers in the United States, primarily due to Scottish and Irish immigration. In Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the name Andrew is also relatively prevalent, owing to British and Irish settlers. In India, the surname Andrew can be found among the Anglo-Indian community, which has a mixed British and Indian heritage. Moreover, variations of the surname, such as "Andre," "Andreev," and "Andreasen," are common in countries with a strong influence from Eastern Europe. Overall, the surname Andrew has a wide geographic spread, reflecting the influence of different migration patterns and historical ties between countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Andrew

The last name Andrew may have few variations and spellings, but they still carry the same ancestral origin. It is primarily spelled as Andrew, which is the most common form. Nevertheless, a few variations have emerged over time, reflecting regional accents and dialects, as well as different cultural influences. Some of the variations and alternative spellings include Androw, Andru, Andreu, and Andro. Additionally, the name may be modified to represent different cultures, like André or Andrzej. Such variations often occur due to migration or relocation, as individuals adapt their surnames to fit into new linguistic contexts or conform to local naming conventions. Despite these differences in spelling and pronunciation, all these variations retain the fundamental heritage and meaning of the name Andrew, ultimately tracing back to its origins in the Greek language.

Famous people with the last name Andrew

Famous individuals with the last name Andrew include actors, politicians, and athletes who have left a lasting impact in their respective fields. One of the most prominent Andrews is Prince Andrew, Duke of York, a member of the British royal family. Another notable figure is Julie Andrews, a legendary British actress known for her roles in beloved films such as "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music." In the world of politics, Mark Andrews served as a U.S. Senator from North Dakota, while Robert F. Andrew gained recognition as an American politician and businessman. Additionally, in the realm of sports, Jason Andrew, a former professional basketball player, distinguished himself with a decorated career in the Australian National Basketball League. These individuals, with their diverse talents and contributions, have left a lasting mark on their respective industries and have inspired countless people around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Andrew

The last name Andrew has its origins in Scotland, specifically from the Gaelic name "Andar," which means "man" or "manly." The name Andrew is derived from the biblical figure of St. Andrew, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The name gained popularity as a given name during the medieval period and eventually evolved into a hereditary surname. Genealogical research on the last name Andrew indicates that it was predominantly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Fife, Angus, and Dundee. It has also spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, with significant populations in England, Ireland, and the United States. Historical records show that individuals with the surname Andrew have been engaged in occupations such as farmers, traders, and skilled workers. Today, the name Andrew continues to be a prevalent surname in various countries, reflecting the diverse and extensive lineage of this proud Scottish name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Andrew"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends