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Etymology
The surname “Andrews” is of Scottish-Irish origin and is derived from the given name “Andrew.” The name “Andrew” itself has its roots in the Greek name “Andreas,” which means “manly” or “brave.” This Greek origin reflects the widespread influence of Christianity and the adoption of Biblical names throughout Europe.
Earliest Recorded Uses
England
In England, the surname “Andrews” appears in records as early as the 13th century. One of the earliest mentions is found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a “Robertus filius Andree” is noted. The use of “filius Andree” indicates “son of Andrew,” demonstrating the patronymic nature of the surname’s origin. This form evolved into the surname “Andrews” over time. The spread of the name in England can be attributed to the popularity of the given name Andrew, which was bolstered by the veneration of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
Scotland
In Scotland, the surname “Andrews” also has early roots, though it is often associated with the form “Anderson,” which means “son of Andrew.” The Scottish tradition of adopting the name “Andrew” can be traced back to the influence of Saint Andrew, who is the patron saint of Scotland. The earliest records of the surname “Anderson” date back to the 14th century, with the name “Andrew” appearing frequently in historical documents due to its religious significance.
Ireland
The surname “Andrews” in Ireland is often of English origin, introduced by settlers and colonists, but it also has native Irish roots. The name “Andrews” became prevalent in Ireland during the 17th century when many English and Scottish settlers arrived during the Plantations. In Ireland, the name was often Gaelicized as “Mac Aindriú” or “Mac Aindriús,” which means “son of Andrew.” This indicates the same patronymic tradition as seen in Scotland and England. The surname became particularly common in Ulster, where many Scottish settlers established themselves.
United States
The surname “Andrews” was brought to the United States by early settlers from the British Isles. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in America is from 1634, when John Andrews emigrated to New England. The name became widespread throughout the American colonies, particularly in New England, where many English and Scottish settlers established themselves. The surname “Andrews” has since become a common name in the United States, with numerous notable individuals bearing the name throughout American history.
Spelling Variations
The surname “Andrews” has undergone various spelling changes over the centuries, reflecting regional accents, dialects, and the lack of standardized spelling in historical records. Some of the notable variations include:
These variations often resulted from phonetic spelling, where scribes wrote names as they heard them, leading to different spellings in different regions and documents.
Anderson, Andrew, Andros, Andrus, Andries, Anders, Andreus, Andreu, Andreis, MacAndrew (Scottish variant), MacAindriú (Irish Gaelic variant), MacAindriús (Irish Gaelic variant)
Conclusion
The surname “Andrews” has a rich and varied history, with roots extending back to ancient Greece through the given name “Andrew.” Its use in England, Scotland, and Ireland has been influenced by religious and cultural factors, particularly the veneration of Saint Andrew. The name’s spread to the United States and its numerous spelling variations highlight the dynamic nature of surname evolution over time and across regions. Today, “Andrews” remains a common and recognizable surname in many parts of the English-speaking world.
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