Andrew Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

Etymology of the Andrew Name

Derived from the Greek given name Andreas, from 'andreios' meaning manly or brave. As a surname it is a patronymic form of the name Andrew, patron saint of Scotland.

The Andrew Family Through History

The Andrew surname is woven into the fabric of Scottish history. Scotland's clan system created powerful family networks that influenced every aspect of life, from local governance to national politics, and the Andrew name carries that legacy forward.

Historical records trace the Andrew surname to 13th century Scotland, with the name associated with Scotland and England. 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 Andrew family name appears in the records of the British gentry and peerage, with connections including The Andrew family included several members who served as royal officials in medieval Scotland, with the name's connection to Scotland's patron saint giving it ceremonial significance.. While not every branch of a family held titles, the connection to the peerage system demonstrates the family's place within the broader social fabric of British history. Many families moved between the gentry and the titled aristocracy over the centuries, with fortunes rising and falling according to political allegiance, marriage alliances, and economic circumstances.

The Andrew name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Andrew 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 Andrew arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Peerage & Noble Ties

This surname has connections to the gentry and titled families throughout history.

• The Andrew family included several members who served as royal officials in medieval Scotland, with the name's connection to Scotland's patron saint giving it ceremonial significance.

The Andrew 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.

Notable Andrews in History

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar English/Scottish origin and may have historical connections to the Andrew family.

Explore Scotland Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Andrew family's English/Scottish heritage.