Andrej: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband".It derives from the Greek word "ANḖR > ANDRÓS > Andréas".
The name Andrej carries a rich history rooted in Greek culture. Derived from "ANḖR > ANDRÓS > Andréas", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Greek-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Andrej
Quick facts about Andrej
Origin
Greek
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
ANḖR > ANDRÓS > Andréas
Other Scripts
Belarusian (Андрэй) Macedonian / Serbian (Андреј)
How to Pronounce Andrej
Andrej is pronounced /ˈæn.dreɪ/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: And-rej
Say it like: "AND-REJ"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Andrej enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including belarusian, croatian, serbian, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
Andrej is a variant form of Andrew, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Andrej means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.". The name comes from ANḖR > ANDRÓS > Andréas. In its original form, the name derives from anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός) Andréas (Ἀνδρέας). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Andrej for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Andrej's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Andrej?
Andrej is a greek name. The name traces back to ANḖR > ANDRÓS > Andréas. The original form anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός) Andréas (Ἀνδρέας) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Andrej is written as Belarusian (Андрэй) Macedonian / Serbian (Андреј). From its greek roots, Andrej spread to become common in belarusian, croatian, serbian, czech and other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Andrej developed as a form of Andrew, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Andrej a boy or girl name?
Andrej is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Andrej has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Andrej?
Andrej is pronounced "/ˈæn.dreɪ/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Belarusian (Андрэй) Macedonian / Serbian (Андреј), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Andrej is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in belarusian, croatian, serbian, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Andrej can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root ANḖR > ANDRÓS > Andréas influences how Andrej sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Andrej?
Andrej is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Andrej offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Andrej's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Andrej holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Andrej?
Andrej is a form of Andrew. Over time, Andrew developed into several variations, with Andrej emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In greek tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Andrej might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In belarusian and croatian, Andrej may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Andrej commonly used?
Andrej spans multiple cultures, including belarusian, croatian, serbian, and 4 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Andrej found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Andrej, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Andrej into their naming traditions. A child named Andrej will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Andrej is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Andrej?
Andrej carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Andrej originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Andrej sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Andrej often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In belarusian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.