What is the origin of the last name Andrews?
Countries of origin for the last name Andrews
The last name Andrews is of English origin and is derived from the personal name Andrew. It is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. Here are some key facts about the surname:
The name Andrew is believed to have originated from the Greek name Andreas, which means “man” or “manly.” The Greek name was brought to Britain by the early Christians and later became popular due to the cult of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
The surname Andrews is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the personal name of an ancestor. In this case, it is derived from the given name Andrew, indicating that the original bearer of the surname was the son of someone named Andrew.
The earliest recorded instances of the surname Andrews can be traced back to medieval England. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. The surname was spelled in various ways over the centuries, including Andreu, Andrewe, Androwe, and Andrewes. The modern spelling of Andrews emerged in the 17th century.
Historical records suggest that the surname Andrews was most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Suffolk, Yorkshire, and Hertfordshire. However, it eventually spread to other English-speaking countries, including Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, where it remains a common surname today.
The Andrews surname has also been adopted by some Jewish families, particularly those of Ashkenazi origin. This adoption of non-Jewish surnames was a common practice among Jews in Europe from the late 18th century onwards, often done to assimilate into the general population and avoid discrimination.
In the United States, the surname Andrews is fairly common, ranking among the top 500 surnames in terms of frequency. It is most prevalent in the southern states, particularly Georgia and Florida, but can be found throughout the country.
The Andrews surname has been borne by notable individuals throughout history. Some well-known Andrews include Thomas Andrews, the naval architect who designed the RMS Titanic, and Julie Andrews, the beloved British actress and singer.
In conclusion, the surname Andrews is of English origin and is derived from the personal name Andrew. It is a patronymic surname and was first recorded in medieval England. The surname has spread to various English-speaking countries, including the United States. While the name has a rich history and is borne by notable individuals, there are still numerous possibilities for further research and exploration into the specific branches of the Andrews family tree.
Interesting facts about the last name Andrews
- The surname Andrews is of Scottish origin.
- It is derived from the personal name Andrew, which is the anglicized form of the Greek name Andreas.
- Andrews is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the name of a male ancestor.
- The name Andrew itself is derived from the Greek word “andreios,” which means “manly” or “masculine.”
- The surname Andrews is relatively common and ranks among the top 500 surnames in the United States.
- Famous people with the surname Andrews include American actress Julie Andrews, known for her roles in films like “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” and British author V.C. Andrews, known for her gothic novels.
- The Andrews family of Scotland has a long history and is associated with various notable individuals and clans.
- In some versions of the history of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, it is believed that his relics were brought to the town of St. Andrews in Scotland, which further contributed to the use of the Andrews surname in Scotland.
- The surname Andrews has variations in spelling, including MacAndrews and Androws.
- Andrews is a popular name in several English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.