Surname Anders - Meaning and Origin

Unlocking Ancestral Secrets with iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Journey into my Scandinavian Heritage

The iGENEA DNA test revealed that my ancestors named Anders hailed from Scandinavia, contrary to family tales of Danish origin. This unexpected discovery prompted new insights into my lineage, reshaping my self-understanding.

U. Anders

Anders: What does the surname Anders mean?

Anders is a surname of Scandinavian origin that means 'son of Andrew'. It is primarily used in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The name Andrew, from which Anders is derived, is rooted in the Greek name Andreas, which means 'man' or 'manly'. Andrew was also a saint in the New Testament, known as the first Apostle. Thus, the name has a strong historical presence in Christianity. Given this, the last name Anders, carrying both meanings of 'son of Andrew' and 'manly', has a connotation of strength, bravery, and spirituality. In addition to being a surname, Anders also functions as a popular first name in Scandinavian countries.

Anders: Where does the name Anders come from?

The surname Anders is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the personal name Andreas or Andrew which means "man" or "manly". Therefore, Anders essentially translates to "son of Andrew". Early records of this name can be traced back to Sweden and Denmark in the 13th century. The use of this surname spread across Scandinavia and into Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and other European countries over time. It is also evident in areas of English influence.

Today, Anders is most common in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. It is also fairly prevalent in the United States, particularly within communities of Scandinavian descent. Interestingly, it's both a first name and a surname in these regions. In some Scandinavian communities, the surname can be patronymic, changing with each generation. For example, a man named Anders' son could have the surname "Andersen" (or "Andersson" in Swedish). His own son might then be called by a first name like "Jon" followed by the surname "Andersen". Its usage varies amongst different communities.

Variations of the surname Anders

The surname Anders has many different variants and spellings that helps understand its rich history. It is of Scandinavian origin, coming from the personal name "Andreas" which means 'man' or 'manly'.

Some of the primary spellings include Andersen, Anderson, Andresen, Andreason, Andries, and Andress, each with its own regional specificity. For instance, "Andersen" is more common in Denmark and Norway while "Anderson" is typically seen in Sweden and English-speaking countries. "Andresen" and "Andreason" are often used in Norway and Denmark.

Variants such as Andrewson and Andrewsen can also be found, stemming from the English version of the name "Andreas", which is "Andrew".

As for surnames, you often find compound names such as Johannson-Anders, which means 'son of Johann and Anders'. Other surnames that originated from 'Anders' include MacAndrew, Gillanders, and McAnderson in Scotland, and Onderso, Onders in Holland.

Please note that surnames could differ in spelling due to the regional dialect, phonetic transcription, or even immigration bureaucracy changing letters for easier pronunciation. These variants reflect the rich and varied history of the Anders surname.

Famous people with the name Anders

• Gillian Anderson: Renowned actress known for her role in "The X-Files".
• Anthony Anderson: Popular actor in both film and television, particularly for the sitcom "Black-ish".
• Pamela Anderson: Famous for her role in "Baywatch", she is an actress, model and television personality.
• Wes Anderson: A critically acclaimed film director, known for movies like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Moonrise Kingdom".
• Richard Dean Anderson: Best-known for his roles in "MacGyver" and "Stargate SG-1".
• Laurie Anderson: A pioneer in electronic music and performance art.
• Loni Anderson: Prominent actress from the 1970s and 1980s, best-known for her role in "WKRP in Cincinnati".
• Roy Andersson: An acclaimed Swedish film director, known especially for his unique cinematic style.
• Melissa Sue Anderson: Known for her role as Mary Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie".
• Keith Anderson: A country music singer and songwriter.
• Hans Christian Andersen: A famous Danish author known for his fairy tales.
• Mary Anderson: An american stage and film actress.
• Lindsay Anderson: A notable British film director. Please note that spelling variations in last names may vary the results.

Other surnames

AnderAnderbrüggeAndereggAndereggenAndererAnderfuhrAnderfuhrenAnderheideAnderheidenAnderheydenAnderlAnderleAnderleitAndermannAndernachAndersenAndersohnAndersonAnderssenAnderßenAnderssohnAnderssonAnderßonAnderweit