Andréa is the French and Portuguese feminine form of the masculine name Andrew, ultimately derived from the Greek Andreas, meaning “manly” or “masculine.” In the New Testament, Andrew was one of the first apostles of Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter. The name has been widely used in Christian Europe since the Middle Ages, and the feminine forms like Andréa emerged as the name gained popularity across different languages. Etymology and Historical Context The root name Andrew comes from the Greek Ἀνδρέας (Andreas), derived from ἀνδρεῖος (andreios) meaning “manly,” which itself is from ἀνήρ (aner) “man.” In France, the masculine form is André, and the feminine form Andréa (often with an accent on the acute e) is its direct counterpart. In Portuguese, the feminine form can be spelled Andréia or Andreia, and in Brazilian Portuguese, it also appears as Andressa and Andreza. The variants Andrée (French) and Andreia (Portuguese) are closely related. Notable Bearers Notable women named Andréa include French actress Andréa Ferréol, known for her roles in films like “La Grande Bouffe” (1973), and Brazilian singer Andréa Sorvetão. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name has also been popularized by telenovela characters and public figures. Cultural Significance The name is most common in French- and Portuguese-speaking regions, reflecting the strong influence of Christian tradition. Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, Greece, and Romania, gives the name a universal presence in the Christian world. While the masculine name has been borne by kings and saints, the feminine form has evolved as a graceful and enduring choice from the Renaissance to modern times. Meaning: Feminine form of Andrew, meaning “manly” Origin: From Greek Andreas Type: Feminine given name Usage: French, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian)