André is the French, Portuguese, and Galician form of Andrew, ultimately derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "masculine." The name has deep roots in Christian tradition, as Saint Andrew was one of the twelve apostles and the brother of Simon Peter. According to the New Testament, Andrew was the first disciple called by Jesus, and he is traditionally believed to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross, which later became known as the Saltire. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, Greece, and Romania, and his feast day is celebrated on November 30. Etymology and History The Greek name Andreas is derived from aner (genitive andros), meaning "man." The name was common in the early Christian world and spread throughout Europe via the veneration of Saint Andrew. In France, the name André has been in use since the Middle Ages, while in Portugal and Galicia it became André. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world as Andrew, but the French form André has also been adopted internationally, particularly in the 20th century. Notable Bearers Many notable individuals have borne the name André. In the arts, French composer André Messager (1853–1929) was known for his operettas and ballets. Brazilian footballer André Santos (born 1983) played for clubs like Arsenal and Fenerbahçe. In literature, French author André Gide (1869–1951) won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947. The name is also associated with André the Giant (1946–1993), the famous French professional wrestler and actor. In music, André Previn (1929–2019) was a renowned German-American pianist, composer, and conductor. Cultural Significance André is widely used in French-speaking countries such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada (especially Quebec), as well as in Portuguese-speaking nations like Portugal and Brazil. It is also common in Galicia (Spain) and has gained some usage in the English-speaking world. The name's popularity in Norway and Sweden is also noted. Variants include Andreas (Dutch, German, Scandinavian) and Andries (Dutch). Feminine forms include Andréa (Brazilian Portuguese), Andrée (French), and Andreia (Portuguese). Meaning: Manly, masculine Origin: Greek, via French and Portuguese Type: Given name Usage regions: France, Portugal, Brazil, Galicia, French-speaking Canada, and other Francophone and Lusophone countries