Andrew History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 
  England 


The age-old Pictish-Scottish family name Andrew is derived from the baptismal name Andrew which in Greek means manly. The name was popular as both a personal name and a surname, likely because it was the name of Scotland's patron saint. In Gaelic the name is Aindrea and Anndra which again means manly.

Early Origins of the Andrew family

The surname Andrew was first found in Caithness (Gaelic: Gallaibh), the northern tip of Scotland, a Norse/Viking controlled region from the 9th century, which became the Earldom of Caithness.

This family was strongly associated with the Clan Ross. It was originally known as the Clan Siol Andrea, meaning the race of Andrew. However, from about the year 1100 the Andrews moved south to the Dumfriesshire area of southwest Scotland. Duncan Andrew, Chief of the Clan, rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296. 1

Some of the family were found further south in England, specifically at Shotley in Northumberland where "Shotley Hall is said to have been built by Dr. Andrews, physician to the first royal Duke of Cumberland." 2

Sir Edmund Andros (1637-1714) was born in London and rose to become an English colonial administrator in North America. The 1689 Boston revolt was directly attributed to his actions in New England.

Early History of the Andrew family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Andrew research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1395, 1463, 1510, 1537, 1600, 1604, 1637, 1649, 1650, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1666, 1672, 1674, 1714, 1890 and 1958 are included under the topic Early Andrew History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Andrew Spelling Variations

In the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. Andrew has appeared Andrew, Andrews, MacAndrew, Androw, Androe, Andro and many more.

Early Notables of the Andrew family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Andrew World Ranking

In the United States, the name Andrew is the 2,528th most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. 3 However, in Australia, the name Andrew is ranked the 450th most popular surname with an estimated 8,369 people with that name. 4 And in New Zealand, the name Andrew is the 301st popular surname with an estimated 2,027 people with that name. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Andrew as 664th with 9,888 people. 6

Migration of the Andrew family to Ireland

Some of the Andrew family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 77 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Andrew migration to the United States +

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Andrew:

Andrew Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Andrew Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Andrew Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Andrew Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Andrew migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Andrew Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Andrew migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Andrew Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Andrew migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Andrew Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Andrew (post 1700) +


The Andrew Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Victrix fortuna sapientia
Motto Translation: Wisdom is the conqueror of fortune.


Suggested Readings for the name Andrew +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate