Andrea

Andrea is a given name that has been used for both males and females. The name originates from the Greek name Andreas, meaning “manly,” “courageous,” or “brave.” It entered Latin as Andrea and spread throughout Europe, adapting to local languages and traditions over centuries.

The usage of Andrea varies by region. In Italy, it has traditionally been a feminine name, while in much of Central and Eastern Europe, including countries such as Romania, Hungary, Croatia, and Poland, it is primarily masculine. In English‑speaking countries, Andrea is most commonly a female name, though it can occasionally appear as a male name due to historical migration patterns. In Sweden and Norway, the name is also used for girls, whereas in the United States it is overwhelmingly feminine.

Variants and related forms include Andre, Andreas, Andrei, Androula, Andréa, and Andrée, each reflecting linguistic shifts. Diminutives such as Andi and Andretta are used informally in many cultures. The name also appears in compound forms (e.g., Andrea‑Marie) and occasionally as a surname.

Notable individuals named Andrea include the Italian composer Andrea Bocelli, Brazilian footballer Andrea (footballer, born 1993), American author Andrea Davis, and the actress Andrea Riseborough. In popular culture, Andrea is the title character in the play “Andrea” by Samuel Beckett, and it appears as a character name in several television series and novels.

Beyond personal names, Andrea can refer to geographic locations such as the town of Andrea in Italy, or serve as a brand name in the culinary and fashion industries. The name remains popular in many parts of the world and is often chosen for its classical resonance and strength of meaning.