Andrew

Andrew carries a weight of history that feels both ancient and remarkably modern. Rooted in the Greek Andreas, meaning "manly" or "brave," it arrived in English through the New Testament, where Andrew was one of the first apostles called by Jesus. This biblical anchor gave the name a steady foothold in the Christian world, and it has rarely wavered in popularity since. In the United States, Andrew has been a persistent favorite: over 1.3 million boys have carried the name since 1880, with a monumental peak in 1987, when more than 36,000 newborns were named Andrew in a single year. That surge placed it firmly among the top choices of the late 20th century, alongside names like Michael and Christopher.

Since then, Andrew has eased from its zenith, though it remains far from obscure. In 2025, roughly 4,500 boys received the name, reflecting a 26% decline over the past five years—a gentle, unhurried retreat rather than a sudden drop. This slow fade gives Andrew a classic, almost timeless feel: it’s not so common that a classroom will have three Andrews, but familiar enough to feel like a steady, reliable choice. The name has been worn by everyone from Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and more recently by actor Andrew Garfield and musician Andrew Bird. On screen, Andrew evokes both the wholesome charm of The Breakfast Club’s Andrew Clark and the mischievous wit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Andrew Wells. Parents drawn to Andrew might also consider the softer, more modern Anders, the classic and royal George, or the similarly strong and saintly Peter.