Meaning:
Its source is Andreas, a Greek name meaning "Manly."
Languages:
This boy's name is used in Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.
Narrative:
The manliness this name refers to has nothing to do with aftershave or matinee idols. It refers to the duties of a male in the patriarchal society of ancient Greece. The first duty of a man was to protect his home, and this name is sometimes translated as ''warrior.''
In the Christian scriptures, this was the name of one Jesus' first disciples, a brother to Simon Peter. Though he figures in a few Biblical stories, the traditions about his missionary travels after the resurrection are extensive. In fact, Christians in the far-flung regions of Greece, Russia and Scotland all look to him as their patron saint.
