What does the baby name “Andrei” mean?
Andrei is the Eastern European form of Andrew, a name from ancient Greek meaning "manly" or "strong man," beloved across Romania, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. It carries all the timeless strength of Andrew with a distinctly European elegance.
Origin of the baby name Andrei
Andrei derives from the Greek name Andreas, built on the root aner in its genitive form andros, meaning man. The name was borne by one of the apostles of Jesus in the New Testament, which drove its adoption across the Christian world. Andrei is the form that developed in Romanian and several Slavic languages, carrying the same core meaning of strength and manliness in a sleeker, more Continental form.
Baby Andrei: The Healer →
History of the baby name “Andrei”
The apostle Andrew was particularly venerated in Eastern and Southern Europe, making Andrei a natural choice across Orthodox Christian communities from medieval times onward. In Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia, Andrei has been a staple name for centuries, carried by princes, saints, and literary heroes. Through the late 20th century, Eastern European immigration brought the name to broader international attention, and it has been appreciated in Western countries as a refined alternative to the familiar Andrew.
Why parents choose the baby name “Andrei”
Andrei has an effortless elegance: it is easy to say, easy to remember, and immediately feels both international and approachable. Parents who choose it are often honoring Romanian, Ukrainian, or Russian heritage they want to pass on, but the name also appeals to those who simply love the clean, strong sound. It travels beautifully between cultures without losing any of its character.
Nicknames for the Baby Name “Andrei”
Andr, Andry, Andrin, Andrkin, Andrster, Andrerino, Andrinator
Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Andrei”
Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Andrei might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.
Australian:
Andro, Azza
British:
Andrs
German:
Andreichen
Irish:
Andreen
Italian:
Andretto
Spanish:
Andreito
Variations on the baby name “Andrei”
The most closely related forms are Andre (French and Portuguese), Andrey (Russian), and Andriy (Ukrainian). In English, the equivalent is Andrew. Other European forms include Andreas (Greek, German, Scandinavian), Andrea (Italian), and Andres (Spanish). Common nicknames include Andri, Andi, or the cool one-syllable Dre.
Baby names similar to “Andrei”
These baby names share spelling patterns with Andrei and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.
Baby names that sound like “Andrei”
Baby sibling names for Andrei
Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Andrei →
Baby Middle Names for Andrei
Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Andrei, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.