Andrei is a name of Romanian origin and it means "manly" or "virile". The name is derived from the Greek word 'ANDREAS', which was used to denote manhood and courage. In Romania, Andrei is one of the most popular male names.
The name Andrei has been widely used in Romania since medieval times. It was often given to boys born into noble families due to its prestigious sound. The name gained further popularity after it became associated with Saint Andrew, one of Jesus Christ's apostles. Saint Andrew is revered as a patron saint in many Eastern European countries, including Romania.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Andrei. One such figure was Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet physicist and dissident who played a significant role in developing the hydrogen bomb but later became an outspoken critic of the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons program and human rights abuses under Stalinism. Another famous Andrei is Andrei Tarkovsky, a renowned Russian film director known for his poetic and philosophical films.
In recent years, the name Andrei has seen resurgence in popularity not just in Romania but also among other Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, and Ukraine. Today, it remains one of the most popular names in these regions. Despite its historical associations with nobility and courage, Andrei is now given to boys regardless of their social status or family background.
The name Andrie has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years, with the highest number of births recorded in 1963 and 1969, both at 7. There is a gap of thirty-two years between the last recorded birth year (2005) and the previous one (1968), suggesting a decline in usage during this period. Overall, there have been 39 births bearing this name since 1951.