It comes from the Greek name Ἀνδρέας (Andreas) which is derived from ἀνδρεῖος (andreios) meaning “manly” and consequently, “brave”, “strong” and “warrior”. The name Andreas is also related to ancient Greek: ἀνήρ/ἀνδρός aner/andros meaning “man”.

 

In the New Testament the apostle Andrew, the first disciple to join Jesus, is the brother of Simon Peter. According to tradition, he later preached in the Black Sea region, with some legends saying he was crucified on an X-shaped cross.