Anderson

Pronounced: AN-der-son

Meaning: Son Of Andrew

Gender: Boy
Origin: Greek
Language: English

Classic Literary Modern Place name Strong

What does Anderson mean?

Anderson is a patronymic name that literally means the son of Andrew. The root name Andrew comes from the Greek word for masculine strength and courage, so Anderson carries that ancestral sense of being descended from someone called Andrew.

In modern use Anderson feels familiar and grounded. It has the solid, straightforward tone of a surname used as a first name. The name suggests dependability and quiet strength rather than flashiness, and it sits comfortably in both formal and casual settings.

❤️ Why Parents Choose This Name

It conveys a classic, reliable sound without feeling old fashioned.
As a surname first name it feels contemporary and on trend while retaining history.
It links to the well known name Andrew without being as common as that name.
It offers simple, familiar nicknames like Andy or Drew that can suit different personalities.
It pairs easily with traditional middle names for a balanced full name.
It works well internationally, with obvious equivalents in many languages.

Historical Context

Anderson began as a straightforward patronymic surname meaning the son of Andrew. Patronymics formed by adding a son element have been common across northern Europe. The given name Andrew is ultimately Greek in origin and spread widely through the Christian world because of Saint Andrew.

Over time Anderson moved from a surname to use as a given name, a trend seen across English speaking countries from the 19th century onwards and rising in the late 20th century when surnames as first names became fashionable. Variants such as Andersen and Andersson reflect Scandinavian and northern European spellings. The name retains its link to Andrew but now stands independently as a sturdy, modern choice.