Declining since 2005, #565 for boys today.
Popularity of Andy since 1880
Babies named Andy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 528 |
| 1890s | 495 |
| 1900s | 468 |
| 1910s | 2,139 |
| 1920s | 2,806 |
| 1930s | 2,329 |
| 1940s | 3,706 |
| 1950s | 6,897 |
| 1960s | 12,138 |
| 1970s | 9,038 |
| 1980s | 8,460 |
| 1990s | 12,294 |
| 2000s | 17,825 |
| 2010s | 11,221 |
| 2020s | 3,841 |
Meaning & origin
Andy is a classic diminutive of Andrew that has functioned as an independent given name for well over a century. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 565 in 2005, after which it has been steadily falling in use. Currently, about 1 in 3,260 boys receive the name. Andy is notably most popular in New Mexico, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, reflecting a strong regional presence in the South and Southwest. Its enduring appeal lies in its friendly, approachable sound, making it a familiar choice that never feels overly formal. While Andy remains a predominantly male name, its simplicity and charm have kept it in steady, if modest, use across generations.
Andy originated as a diminutive of Andrew, which derives from the Greek name Andreas, itself from aner (genitive andros) meaning 'man'. Andrew was the name of one of the twelve apostles and has been commonly used throughout Christian history. Andy emerged as an independent given name in the English-speaking world by the 19th century, gaining wide use as a friendly, informal alternative.
Where Andy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Andy” around the world
Where Andy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
80
babies in 2024
Ireland
17
babies in 2025
Quebec
18
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Drew
Sibling names for Andy
Names that share Andy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Emma, Grace, Molly, Sarah, Kate, Candi, Jeannie, Kandi, Mandi, Mandy, Mindy, Sandi, Tandy, Josey, Mandie, Sindy, Candee, Glendy, Landy, Lindie, Mandee, Maurie, Mindee, Mindie, Sendy, Shandy, Windi, Sande, Timi, Anie, Chellie, Jandi, Lendy, Rendi, Rhandi, Rindy, Wandy, Windie
Brothers: Ben, Jack, Sam, Tom, Will, Rudy, Arnie, Vandy, Frandy
Names like Andy
Names whose popularity has moved with Andy's over the last 50 years.
