Names aren't just labels we slap on babies to distinguish them at daycare. They’re heavy. They carry centuries of dust, blood, and triumph. When you look at the meaning of the name Andre, you aren't just looking at a few syllables; you're looking at a linguistic evolution that stretches back to ancient Greece. It’s a name that feels both incredibly modern and ancient at the same time. You’ve probably met an Andre. Maybe he was a soft-spoken artist, or maybe he was a six-foot-four powerhouse on a basketball court. The name fits both. That’s its secret.
Honestly, the core of the name is simple. Andre is the French and Portuguese form of the Greek name Andreas. If you want to get technical, it stems from the Greek word aner, which basically means "man." But it’s more specific than just "male person." The root andros refers to "man" in the context of "warrior" or "strong." So, when people say the meaning of the name Andre is "manly" or "brave," they aren't just making it up to sound cool for a baby shower card. It is literally baked into the etymology.
It’s got a certain weight to it.
Where the Strength Comes From
Most people think of France when they hear Andre. That makes sense because the French accent mark—the accent aigu—often sits on that "e," giving it that sophisticated André flair. But the reach is way wider. In the New Testament, Andrew (the English cousin) was the first disciple called by Jesus. Because of that religious tie, the name exploded across Europe.
While the English went with Andrew, the French refined it to Andre. It became a staple of the nobility and the common folk alike. It’s one of those rare names that never really feels "dated." You know how names like Gary or Tiffany feel tied to a specific decade? Andre doesn't do that. It’s a shapeshifter.
The Linguistic Backbone
The Greek word andreia is where things get interesting. It doesn't just mean "having muscles." It refers to a specific type of courage. In the eyes of philosophers like Aristotle, andreia was the virtue of bravery—the middle ground between being a coward and being a reckless idiot. If you’re named Andre, or you’re naming a kid Andre, that’s the legacy. It’s about being a man of substance. It’s about groundedness.
Some people worry that "manly" is a bit of a one-note definition. It’s 2026; we’ve moved past needing every boy to be a "tough guy." But if you look at the historical context, the name is less about "machismo" and more about "maturity." It’s about the transition from childhood into a responsible, courageous adult who stands their ground.
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Why the Meaning of the Name Andre Still Works Everywhere
One reason this name sticks around is its global flexibility. It isn't just a "Western" name anymore. You’ll find it in various forms across the globe.
In Scandinavian countries, it’s Anders.
In Italy, it’s Andrea (which, interestingly, is a male name there, though often female in the US).
In Russia, it’s Andrei.
In Germany, it’s Andreas.
The core "And-" sound is a universal signal for strength. It’s phonetically strong. It starts with a vowel, which is soft, but ends with that hard "dr" sound that gives it a bit of backbone. It’s easy to pronounce in almost any language, which is why it’s a top choice for multi-cultural families. If you have one parent from Brazil and another from France, Andre is the perfect middle ground. No one’s grandmother is going to struggle to say it.
Cultural Heavyweights Named Andre
Think about the sheer variety of people who have carried this name. It’s wild.
- Andre Agassi: The tennis legend who went from a "rebel" with long hair to a sage-like elder statesman of the sport. He embodies that "brave" meaning because he fundamentally changed his life and career under massive public scrutiny.
- André the Giant: Born André René Roussimoff. You can't get more "manly" in the literal sense than a 7-foot-4, 520-pound human being. But those who knew him always talked about his gentleness. That’s the nuance of the name—strength coupled with character.
- André 3000: One half of Outkast. He took a name that could be seen as traditional and made it the height of avant-garde cool. He proved that an Andre can be an eccentric, a poet, and a fashion icon.
- Andre Braugher: The late, great actor who brought a massive, commanding dignity to every role, from Homicide: Life on the Street to Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His voice alone had that "warrior" resonance.
Misconceptions and the "Gender" Question
There is often a bit of confusion regarding the gender of the name. In the United States, we tend to see "Andre" as strictly masculine. However, names are fluid. As mentioned, Andrea is a very common masculine name in Italy (think Andrea Bocelli).
In some cultures, Andre is used as a unisex middle name, though it remains predominantly male. Does that change the meaning? Not really. The "courage" and "strength" aspects of the Greek root aren't limited to one gender. In a modern context, the name represents a person who is steadfast.
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Some people also mix up Andre with Andrew, thinking they are different names entirely. They are the same name; one just took a boat to England while the other stayed in the Mediterranean or moved into France. If you like the meaning of Andrew but find it a bit too "common," Andre is usually the "cool cousin" alternative.
The Numerology of Andre (If You’re Into That)
For those who dig into the more esoteric side of things, the name Andre often vibrates to the number 1 or 9 in various systems.
A "1" energy is all about leadership and pioneering.
A "9" energy is about humanitarianism and seeing the big picture.
Whether you believe in that or not, it aligns with the "man of the people" vibe that the name has carried since the first century. It’s a name for someone who shows up. It’s not a "fringe" name. It’s a "pillar" name.
The Popularity Rollercoaster
Andre peaked in the US during the 1970s and 80s. It was a top 100 name for a good while. Lately, it has slipped a bit in the rankings, but that’s actually a good thing for parents today. It means the name is recognizable but not overused. Your kid won't be "Andre B." in a classroom of five other Andres.
In France, it’s seen as a "grandpa name" that is slowly becoming vintage-cool again. In the US, it remains a staple in the African American community, where it has been embraced as a name of dignity and style for decades. The name has this incredible ability to cross class and race lines without losing its core identity.
Actionable Takeaways for Choosing the Name Andre
If you're considering this name for a child, or perhaps you're looking to change your own name, here is what you need to keep in mind:
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1. Consider the Spelling and Accents
Do you want the accent mark? André looks sophisticated and honors the French roots, but keep in mind that many digital forms (government IDs, airline tickets) still struggle with special characters. Most people in the US omit it for simplicity, but the pronunciation stays the same.
2. Pairing with Last Names
Because Andre is two syllables and ends in a vowel sound (the "ay" sound), it pairs beautifully with long, consonant-heavy last names. Andre Montgomery sounds like a Supreme Court Justice. Andre Smith sounds like a tech CEO. It’s hard to mess up.
3. The Nickname Factor
Andre doesn't have many natural nicknames. Some people use "Dre," which has a sharp, modern, musical vibe (thanks, Dr. Dre). If you’re a fan of nicknames, make sure you’re okay with "Dre," because it will inevitably happen. If you hate nicknames, Andre is short enough that people will usually respect the full version.
4. Look at the Variations
If "Andre" feels just a tiny bit off, look at Andreas or even the feminine Andra. The meaning remains the same, but the "flavor" shifts.
5. Embrace the Legacy
Choosing this name means leaning into a history of courage. It’s a name for someone you expect to be resilient. If you want a name that sounds "pretty" or "soft," this might not be it. But if you want a name that sounds like a foundation, Andre is it.
The meaning of the name Andre is, at its heart, an invitation to be brave. It’s a short word with a long shadow. Whether it’s the religious history, the Greek philosophy, or the modern pop-culture icons, the name carries a consistent message: stand tall. It’s a name that has survived thousands of years of human history, and it isn't going anywhere. It’s timeless for a reason.
If you decide to go with it, you're giving a gift of a name that is respected in almost every corner of the map. That’s a rare thing in a world that’s always changing. Choose it for the strength, keep it for the style.