Rooted in ancient Greek but embraced globally, Andreas is a testament to enduring strength. It offers the approachable nickname options of a common name while maintaining a formal elegance that sets it apart on a resume.
Verdict: Andreas is a spectacular choice for a baby born in 2025. It fits the “soft boy name” trend (ending in -s, vowel-heavy) while retaining a masculine, heroic edge. It is the perfect bridge for parents who want a name that is recognizable but rarely heard in the local kindergarten.
Andreas Overview
- Meaning: Andreas is a form of the Greek word for man and is associated with strength, resilience, wisdom, and intelligence.
- Gender: Andreas has traditionally been a given name for boys with feminine/gender-neutral variations of Andreas being the names Andrea and Andriana.
- Origin: The name is ancient Greek in origin.
- Pronunciation: Andreas is pronounced as “ahn-DRAY-us”.
- Popularity: The name has been fairly popular, never falling below the top 1000 popular names for boys in the United States since the 1960s.
- Nicknames: Andi, Andy, Ando, Andri, Dre, Dreas
- Variations: Anders, András, André, Andrei, Andrej, Andrés, Andrew, Andries, Andrija, Ondřej, Ondrej.
- Namesakes: Andreas Kalvos (Greek poet); Andreas Vesalius (Netherlandish/Flemish physician, and anatomist); Andreas Kuffner (Olympic gold medalist for rowing)
What Does Andreas Mean?
The name Andreas is derived from the Greek element anēr (genitive andros), which translates directly to “man.” However, in the context of ancient naming customs, the meaning goes much deeper than simply denoting gender. It signifies “manly,” “brave,” “warrior,” and “strong.”
It captures the essence of masculine virtue as it was understood in antiquity: courage, resilience, and fortitude. While the English variation, Andrew, shares this meaning, Andreas retains the original Greek suffix, giving it a more direct linguistic link to its heritage. Due to the biblical connection with Andrew the Apostle, the name also carries connotations of humility and spiritual wisdom (1).
Where Does the Name Andreas Come From?
Andreas is of Ancient Greek origin. It is the original New Testament Greek form of the name Andrew. In the Bible, St. Andrew was the first disciple called by Jesus, and he is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, and Russia.
While Andrew became the dominant form in English-speaking countries, Andreas remained the standard spelling in Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Greece. Its usage dates back thousands of years, making it a true “classic” that predates many modern Western names. St. Andreas is celebrated on November 30th in the Western church and July 4th in the Greek Orthodox calendar.
How Popular is the Name Andreas?
In the United States, Andreas is currently a hidden gem. While the name saw a steady presence in the Top 1000 list from the 1960s through the early 2000s, it has recently cooled off, dipping just outside the main popularity charts in recent years (2).
This “cooling off” is actually a positive for modern parents; it means the name is familiar and easy to spell, but your child is unlikely to share the name with three other boys in his class. In contrast to its US status, Andreas remains an incredibly popular heavyweight in Europe, particularly in Norway, Germany, and Austria, giving it a stylish, international appeal.
How Do I Pronounce Andreas?
The most common pronunciation in the United States and Northern Europe is ahn-DRAY-us.
However, depending on the region, you may hear slight nuances:
- German/Greek: ahn-DREH-ahs (with a shorter ‘e’ sound).
- English variant: an-DREE-us (though this is much rarer and often corrected).
The phonetic breakdown is straightforward:
1. “Ahn” rhymes with “on.”
2. “Dray” rhymes with “play.”
3. “Us” is a short vowel sound, as in “bus.”
Is Andreas a Boy or Girl Name?
Andreas is traditionally a male name. Its very etymology is rooted in the word for “man.” Historically, it has been strictly masculine across almost all cultures that use it.
However, the naming landscape is shifting. While Andreas remains male, names with similar sounds are popular for girls. The direct feminine equivalents are Andrea and Andriana. Interestingly, in Italy, the spelling “Andrea” is actually a male name, serving as their version of Andrew/Andreas.
Variations of Andreas
Because this name traveled through the Bible to every corner of Europe, the variations are plentiful and rich in history:
- Anders (Scandinavian)
- András (Hungarian)
- André (French/Portuguese)
- Andrei (Russian/Romanian)
- Andrés (Spanish)
- Andrew (English)
- Andries (Dutch)
- Andrija (Slavic)
- Antti (Finnish)
- Ondřej (Czech)
- Ondrej (Slovak)
Nicknames for Andreas
Andreas offers a mix of intuitive nicknames and some creative options for parents who want something distinct.
Common Nicknames:
- Andy/Andi: The friendly, classic go-to.
- Dre: A cool, modern, one-syllable option.
- Andre: Using the first two syllables.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Rees: Pulling from the second half of the name, this sounds like the Welsh name Rhys.
- Ace: A playful stretch derived from the beginning and end sounds (Andreas).
- Dreas: A catchy, edgy shortening that rhymes with “Case.”
Names Similar to Andreas
If you like the continental vibe and soft-but-strong sound of Andreas, you might appreciate these alternatives.
- Elias: Like Andreas, it is a Greek biblical name ending in ‘s’ that feels timeless yet current.
- Matthias: Another New Testament name with a sophisticated European flair.
- Julian: Shares the gentle strength and multi-syllable rhythm.
- Leander: A slightly rarer Greek name meaning “lion man.”
- Lucas: A universally loved classic that shares the “-as” ending.
- Adrian: Very close in sound, just shifting the central consonants.
- Sebastian: A longer, lyrical name that commands attention.
- Nikolas: The Greek classic that pairs perfectly with Andreas in style.
Middle Names for Andreas
Because Andreas is a three-syllable name with a soft ending, it pairs beautifully with sturdy, one-syllable middle names or classic anchors.
Short & Strong
These names balance the length of Andreas with a punchy finish.
Classic & Royal
Lean into the sophisticated history of the name with these timeless pairings.
Modern & Continental
These combinations highlight the European flair of the name.
Sibling Names for Andreas
Building a sibling set around Andreas requires names that feel equally established and cultured.
For a Brother
- Stefan: Shares the European variation style of a biblical classic.
- Marcus: Strong, Latin roots that stand up well next to Greek Andreas.
- Dominic: A name with similar rhythm and international appeal.
- Lukas: The “K” spelling ties nicely to the Germanic usage of Andreas.
- Tobias: Matches the ending sound but has a distinct first initial.
For a Sister
- Helena: A gorgeous Greek name that is the perfect stylistic match.
- Sofia: Universally recognized, elegant, and European.
- Petra: The feminine form of Peter, carrying a similar vintage strength.
- Clara: Simple, bright, and historically compatible.
- Natalia: A melodic name that flows beautifully with Andreas.
Famous People Named Andreas
- Andreas Vesalius: A 16th-century anatomist often referred to as the founder of modern human anatomy.
- Andreas Papandreou: A prominent Greek economist and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece.
- Andreas Brehme: A legendary German footballer who scored the winning goal in the 1990 World Cup Final.
- Andreas Vollenweider: A world-renowned Swiss harpist and musician.
- Andreas Christensen: A Danish professional footballer known for playing with Barcelona and the Denmark national team.
Andreas in Pop Culture
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: One of the most famous video games in history, named after a fictional state based on California.
- Andreas Darlton: A character in the popular anime series “Code Geass.”
- Andreas von Strucker: A supervillain appearing in Marvel Comics, associated with Hydra.
- San Andreas Fault: While not a “character,” this famous geological fault line in California makes the name instantly recognizable to Americans.
FAQs About the Name Andreas
Is the Name Andreas and the Name Angel the Same in Greek?
Is Andrea the Female Version of Andreas?
Andrea is sometimes thought of as a feminine version of Andreas, though it did not start in that way. The name was another form of Andreas, though it was still considered a very masculine name.
Specifically in Italy, Andrea is the masculine brother to the name Andreas, as it overcame Andreas in popularity as a classic name to give baby boys. Over the years, the name has become a more gender-neutral and even feminine name, often used for baby girls in the United States. However, in Italy, it remains a primarily masculine name.
Is Andreas a Biblical Name?
Yes, Andreas is a biblical name. It is the Greek form of Andrew. In the New Testament, Andreas (Andrew) was the brother of Simon Peter and was a fisherman by trade before becoming one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Is Andreas a Rare Name in the US?
Yes, currently Andreas is considered relatively rare in the United States. While it was a steady presence in the top 1000 names for decades, it dropped off the list around 2013. This makes it a recognizable but unique choice for a baby born in 2025.
What Does the Name Andreas symbolize?
Andreas symbolizes masculine strength and warrior-like courage. Because of the etymological root “anēr,” it represents the idealized virtues of a protector. Spiritually, due to St. Andrew, it also symbolizes missionary zeal and the role of being a “fisher of men.”
