Anderson
/ˈæn.dər.sən/noun
A surname meaning "son of Andrew."
Did you know?Anderson is a classic patronymic surname, meaning it originally marked a man as the son of Andrew, and the Andrew-name itself comes from Greek roots tied to “manly” strength.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Andreas
“A male personal name meaning “manly” or “masculine.””
Late Latin
Latin
Andreas
“The Greek name borrowed into Latin, used especially for Saint Andrew.”
Old English
English
Andræs
“The vernacular form of Andrew in early English usage.”
Medieval Scandinavian
Norse
-son
“A patronymic ending meaning “son of,” used to form hereditary family names.”
14th-16th Century
English
Andersone / Anderson
“A surname meaning “son of Andrew,” originally identifying descent from a man named Andrew.”
Modern English
English
Anderson
“A common hereditary surname and occasional given name.”