Andrea is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the masculine name Andreas, which means "manly" or "courageous". The name Andrea has been used throughout history in various cultures and countries.
The name Andrea was first recorded as a female name in Italy during the Middle Ages. It was typically given to girls who were believed to be strong-willed, independent, and courageous like their male counterparts with the same name. Over time, the name spread beyond Italy and became popular in other European countries such as Spain, France, Germany, and England.
In literature, Andrea is a character in the Italian novella "The Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio. The story follows a young woman named Andrea who disguises herself as a man to join her lover on a military campaign. This tale may have contributed to the perception of Andrea as a strong-willed and independent female name.
Today, Andrea is still a popular given name for girls around the world. It has also been used as a surname in some cases. While the name's popularity has waxed and waned over time, it remains a timeless choice for parents looking to give their daughter a classic yet unique name with a rich history behind it.
The name Andriea experienced a notable peak in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with particularly high numbers of births in 1976, 1977, and 1980. However, after 1985, there was a consistent decline in its usage until it reached a steady state of around five births per year from the late 1990s onwards. Overall, over the span of these years, there were a total of 95 babies named Andriea.