Andre Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

Etymology of the Andre Name

Derived from the Greek 'Andreas', meaning manly or brave, carried into French through the veneration of Saint Andrew the Apostle, a name of enduring nobility across Europe.

Tracing the Andre Lineage

The Andre name reflects the deep historical connections between France and Britain. French-origin surnames entered Britain through multiple waves of migration, from the Norman Conquest to the Huguenot refugees of the 17th century, each enriching the tapestry of British society.

Historical records trace the Andre surname to 1200s, with the name associated with France. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Andre name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including The André family produced Major John André, a British officer of Swiss Huguenot noble extraction who was adjutant general to the British forces in America during the Revolutionary War.. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Andre name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Andre legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Andre arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Noble Connections

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• The André family produced Major John André, a British officer of Swiss Huguenot noble extraction who was adjutant general to the British forces in America during the Revolutionary War.

The Andre surname can be found in the annals of British peerage records, connecting the family to the long tradition of hereditary titles and noble rank. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Distinguished Bearers of the Andre Name

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar French origin and may have historical connections to the Andre family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Andre family's French heritage.