Andrew is a name of English origin, derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means "manly" or "courageous". The name Andrew was popularized during the Middle Ages through the apostle Saint Andrew, who was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and is considered the patron saint of Scotland. In many cultures, Andrew is associated with strength, leadership, and wisdom due to its biblical origins. Today, Andrew remains a popular name for boys around the world.
The name Andrew has a rich history and popularity that can be traced through the years based on birth statistics in the United States. In the late 19th century, the name Andrew was consistently among the top male names given to newborns each year. Between 1880 and 1897, the number of babies named Andrew ranged from a low of 520 in 1887 to a high of 718 in 1900.
However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Andrew's popularity truly skyrocketed. From 1945 to 1975, the number of babies named Andrew more than quadrupled, from around 3,000 births per year to over 13,000 in 1976 alone.
The peak of Andrew's popularity was between the late 1980s and early 2000s. During this time, it was consistently one of the top five names given to newborn boys each year, with a high of over 36,000 births in 1987.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Andrew has steadily declined. By 2022, the number of babies named Andrew had fallen to around 4,781 births, a significant drop from its peak nearly four decades earlier.
Despite this decline in recent years, Andrew remains a popular and classic choice for parents naming their newborn sons. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timelessness, as well as the fact that it is associated with several notable historical figures, including Scotland's patron saint, Saint Andrew, and the first president of the United States, Andrew Jackson.
In conclusion, while the name Andrew has seen a decline in recent years, its rich history and enduring popularity make it a mainstay among parental naming choices for their newborn sons.