While some parents worry it feels “dated” to the late 20th century, Andrea is currently hitting the “sweet spot” of vintage revival. It is familiar to everyone but used by few new parents, making it a distinct choice that won’t get lost in a sea of Olivias and Emmas.
Verdict: Andrea is the perfect “bridge” name. It bridges genders, cultures, and generations. If you want a name that is universally recognized, easy to spell, and carries a secret meaning of immense strength, Andrea is a sleeper hit for 2025.
Andrea Overview
- Meaning: Andrea means manly. When applied to names for girls, many change this meaning to womanly. Other connotations include strength and bravery.
- Gender: Andrea is a unisex name. Whether the name is more traditionally used for boys or girls is subjective by country.
- Origin: Andrea originates from the Greek word “andrós.” Though used as a masculine and feminine name, many consider Andrea to be the feminine version of Andrew.
- Pronunciation: Andrea is usually pronounced “AHN-dree-e” or “ahn-DRAY-e.”
- Popularity: Andrea is a popular name across the globe. In the United States, the name appeared in the top 100 names for newborn girls for several decades. It ranked 148th in 2020.
- Nicknames: AJ, Andee, Andie, Andre, Andy, Ann, Annie, Drea, Rea.
- Variations: Andréa, Andrée, Andreea, Andrej, Andreia, Andreja, Andreo, Andressa Ndrea.
- Namesakes: Andrea Bocelli (Italian musician). Andrea Corr (Irish musician), Andrea Ghez (American astronomer).
What Does Andrea Mean?
On paper, the meaning of Andrea can seem contradictory for a baby girl. The name translates directly to “manly,” “virile,” or “strong.”
However, we must look at this through the lens of etymology rather than modern gender roles. The core root implies “courage” and “warrior-like spirit.” For parents of a daughter, the meaning is often reinterpreted as “strong woman,” “valiant,” or “brave.” It is a name that gifts a child a backbone of steel, regardless of their gender.
Where Does the Name Andrea Come From?
Andrea is a name of ancient pedigree. It is derived from the Greek word aner (genitive andros), which refers to a man as opposed to a woman (distinct from anthropos, which means human). This is the same root found in words like “android” (man-like) and the name Alexander (defender of men).
Historically, it emerged as a variation of Andreas. While Andreas and Andrew became the standard masculine forms in English-speaking and Germanic countries, Andrea evolved as the feminine equivalent in these regions. Conversely, in Italy and the canton of Ticino in Switzerland, Andrea retained its original Greek intent and remained a strictly masculine name.
How Popular is the Name Andrea?
In the United States, Andrea is a “modern classic.” It is not currently a trendy, high-ranking name, which is actually a significant advantage for parents seeking something recognizable but not overused.
Its trajectory tells a story of a slow burn and a high peak. It entered the US Top 100 in the 1960s, skyrocketed to the Top 10 in the late 1970s and early 80s, and remained a staple for decades (1).
Today, the name has cooled off, settling comfortably into the Top 200. It is no longer the “IT” name of the playground, having been replaced by vowel-heavy names like Aria or Isla. However, this dip in popularity transforms it from a “common” name into a distinguished choice that stands apart from current trends.
How Do I Pronounce Andrea?
This name is a chameleon that changes its colors depending on where you are standing.
- English (US/UK): The most common pronunciation is “AN-dree-uh.”
- European/Spanish: A slightly more cosmopolitan pronunciation is “ahn-DRAY-uh.” This is often used by families with Hispanic heritage or those preferring the European flair.
- Italian: Pronounced “AHN-dre-ah” (with a rolled ‘r’ and a short ‘e’ sound).
Is Andrea a Boy or Girl Name?
Technically, Andrea is one of the few true unisex names in existence, though its usage is heavily geographically dependent.
- In the US, UK, France, and Germany: It is almost exclusively a female name.
- In Italy: It is almost exclusively a male name. In fact, naming a girl Andrea in Italy was legally contested until relatively recently!
If you are in the United States, you can safely assume 99% of Andreas you meet will be female, though the male usage (often pronounced ahn-DRAY-uh) is slowly gaining traction among parents looking for softer masculine names.
Variations of Andrea
Because this name traveled through the Greek, Latin, and Germanic worlds, it has picked up local flavor wherever it landed.
- Andrée (French)
- Andrina (English/Scandinavian)
- Ondrea (Czech/Slovak)
- Andréa (Portuguese/Brazilian)
- Andreea (Romanian)
- Andreina (Italian/Spanish diminutive)
- Aundrea (American phonetic spelling)
Nicknames for Andrea
One of the best features of this name is its versatility in nicknames. You can choose something sweet, tomboyish, or edgy.
Common Nicknames:
- Andie: The quintessential “cool girl” nickname (think Pretty in Pink).
- Drea: A sleek, modern shortening that emphasizes the second syllable.
- Annie: A vintage, sweet option.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Raya: By taking the last two syllables (Drea), you get this trendy nature-sounding name.
- Dre: A hip-hop inspired, punchy moniker.
- Anders: A spunky, surname-style nickname usually reserved for boys, but cute for a girl.
Names Similar to Andrea
If you love the vibe of Andrea but want to explore other options, these names share its structural DNA or its era of popularity.
- Adriana: Shares the initial “A” and the Latinate ending, but feels slightly more romantic.
- Alexandra: Another strong, Greek “defender” name with a similar syllable count.
- Antonia: Like Andrea, this is a feminized version of a classic Roman male name; it feels regal and underused.
- Audrey: Shares the initial sound but has a distinct Old English charm.
- Julia: A timeless classic that, like Andrea, never truly goes out of style.
- Thea: Strips it back to the Greek roots; short, punchy, and modern.
- Vanessa: Shares the 80s/90s peak popularity with Andrea but retains a “cool girl” vibe.
- Elena: A vowel-heavy choice that works beautifully in both English and Spanish, much like Andrea.
Middle Names for Andrea
Andrea is a 3-syllable name (or 2.5 depending on your accent) that ends in a vowel. This makes it an incredibly easy name to pair. It works best with middle names that provide a rhythmic contrast.
Modern & Edgy
These names dust off the “vintage” feel of Andrea and give it a contemporary spark.
- Andrea Blair
- Andrea Juno
- Andrea Quinn
- Andrea Scout
- Andrea Sloan
- Andrea Wren
Classic & Timeless
Lean into the sophistication of the name with these traditional pairings.
- Andrea Celeste
- Andrea Claire
- Andrea Grace
- Andrea Jane
- Andrea Marie
- Andrea Pearl
Nature & Boho
Soften the strong consonants of Andrea with flowery or earth-inspired choices.
- Andrea Daisy
- Andrea Fern
- Andrea Hazel
- Andrea Ivy
- Andrea Lily
- Andrea Willow
Sibling Names for Andrea
Building a sibset around Andrea means looking for names that are established and familiar, but not necessarily “trendy.”
For a Brother
You want a name that holds its own weight, something classic and masculine.
- Christopher: Matches the syllable count and classic stature.
- Daniel: A biblical classic that pairs perfectly.
- Julian: Stylistically matches the Roman/Greek cosmopolitan vibe.
- Nicholas: Another Greek classic (“Victory of the people”) that sits nicely beside Andrea.
- Matteo: If you want to lean into the Italian heritage of the name.
For a Sister
Look for feminine names with Latin or Greek roots that have stood the test of time.
- Natalie: A perfect stylistic match from the same era of popularity.
- Cassandra: Shares the Greek mythology connection and the ending sound.
- Victoria: Strong, royal, and feminine.
- Lydia: A biblical place name that feels sophisticated.
- Gabriella: A romantic, lyrical option that matches Andrea’s vowel sounds.
Famous People Named Andrea
This name has graced stages, screens, and telescopes. It is a name associated with talent.
- Andrea Bocelli: The world-renowned Italian tenor who brought opera to the masses.
- Andrea Ghez: An American astronomer and Nobel Prize laureate known for discovering the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.
- Andrea Riseborough: An Academy Award-nominated English actress.
- Andrea Jaeger: A former World No. 2 professional tennis player.
- Andrea Corr: Lead singer of the Irish folk-rock band The Corrs.
Andrea in Pop Culture
- Andrea Sachs: The resilient protagonist navigating the fashion world in The Devil Wears Prada (played by Anne Hathaway).
- Andrea Zuckerman: The brainy and ambitious character from the iconic 90s show Beverly Hills, 90210.
- Andrea Harrison: A major character in the earlier seasons of The Walking Dead, known for her sharpshooting skills.
- Andie Walsh: The fashion-forward icon played by Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink (short for Andrea).
FAQs About the Name Andrea
Is Andrea a Biblical Name?
Is Andrea an Italian Name?
Yes, Andrea is an incredibly popular name in Italy, but there is a catch: in Italy, it is strictly a boy’s name. It is consistently one of the top names given to newborn Italian boys.
Does Andrea Have a Spiritual Meaning?
While the literal translation is “manly” or “warrior,” the spiritual connotation often links back to Saint Andrew. The name is often associated with the qualities of loyalty, faith, and the courage to follow one’s beliefs.
What Is the Best Spelling Variation for Andrea?
The classic spelling “Andrea” is by far the most accepted and easiest to navigate socially. However, “Ondrea” creates a distinct phonetic difference (ON-dree-ah), while “Aundrea” ensures the American pronunciation. “Andra” is a sharper, two-syllable variant if you prefer brevity.
Is the Name Andrea Dated?
Andrea is considered a “modern vintage” name. While it peaked in the 1980s, it has never fallen into obscurity. Unlike trendy names that crash and burn (like Tiffany or Brittany), Andrea has maintained a steady presence, making it feel established rather than outdated.
What Are the Personality Traits of an Andrea?
In numerology, the name Andrea corresponds to the number 1. This suggests leadership, independence, and a pioneering spirit. People with this name are often thought to be ambitious, self-reliant, and determined to succeed.
Can Andrea Be a Middle Name?
Absolutely. Because Andrea starts and ends with a vowel, it serves as an excellent “connector” name. It flows beautifully after names ending in consonants (like Scarlet Andrea or Violet Andrea) and anchors shorter first names.
What Is the Spanish Pronunciation of Andrea?
In Spanish, the name is pronounced “ahn-DRAY-ah.” The “r” is slightly tapped or rolled, and the emphasis is placed firmly on the second syllable, giving it a more melodic and rhythmic sound than the English version.
