Andrew has been a popular name in Scotland for hundreds of years. It is the name of the Scottish patron saint (who is also the patron saint of Russia and Greece.) However, Andrew is originally a Greek name. It is a variant of the Greek Andreas (pronounced An-DRAY-as) which itself derives from the Greek andreia, "manliness" or "virility." The modern Greek word for man is andros, and we can see the roots of the word in modern Greek-based words like anthropology, "the study of man." In most European languages the old form is still used as a name; the French André is also clearly derived from Andreas.
The name Andrew had a revival throughout Britain some years ago because of the popularity of the young Prince Andrew. There is also a feminine equivalent, Andrea (rather oddly as the name means "manliness.") This has never been very common. The commonest short form for Andrew is Andy, though Drew is occasionally used, especially in Scotland.
The name Andrew had a revival throughout Britain some years ago because of the popularity of the young Prince Andrew. There is also a feminine equivalent, Andrea (rather oddly as the name means "manliness.") This has never been very common. The commonest short form for Andrew is Andy, though Drew is occasionally used, especially in Scotland.