anders

Anders is a masculine given name widely used in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and it is also found as a surname in some families. It is the Scandinavian form of Andrew and is common in Nordic naming traditions. The name appears in medieval records and remains popular in modern times, particularly in Scandinavian countries and among Swedish- and Finnish-speaking communities.

Etymology and form: Anders derives from the Greek name Andreas, which means “manly” or “brave.” In Scandinavian languages, the form Anders developed as the local adaptation of Andrew. The name has produced patronymic and familial forms, such as Andersson or Andersdatter/Andersdotter in various Nordic languages, meaning “son of Anders” or “daughter of Anders,” respectively.

Usage and cognates: In addition to its use as a given name, Anders can be found as a surname, though this is less common. In Finland, the name is widely used among the Swedish-speaking minority, and it remains a staple in the broader Nordic naming landscape. Variants exist in related languages, and the name is often paired with family names in formal and informal settings.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Anders include Anders Celsius, the Swedish astronomer who devised the Celsius temperature scale; Anders Jonas Ångström, a pioneering Swedish physicist after whom the ångström unit is named; Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Danish politician and former NATO Secretary General; Anders Borg, Swedish politician and former Minister of Finance; and Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian extremist known for the 2011 attacks. In contemporary culture, figures such as Anders Holm, an American actor and comedian, also bear the name.

See also: Andreas, Andersson, Andersdotter.