Andrzej Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AHN-dzhey /ˈandʐɛj/
Origin: Polish
Meaning: Manly; brave
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Andrzej is of Polish origin, derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means "man" or "warrior." The Greek name Andreas is rooted in the word "aner," which signifies "man" in a more general sense. The name made its way into Latin as Andreas, and subsequently into Old French as Andre, before being adopted into Polish as Andrzej.
This linguistic journey reflects the broader historical interactions between these cultures, particularly through the spread of Christianity and the influence of the Byzantine Empire on Eastern Europe. Historically, the name Andrzej has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and rulers.
One of the most significant is Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who is traditionally regarded as the patron saint of Scotland and Russia. His feast day is celebrated on November 30, and his legacy has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Christian contexts.
The name was further popularized in Poland through the influence of the Christian church, particularly during the Middle Ages, when many Polish names were derived from biblical figures and saints. Culturally, Andrzej is often associated with strength and valor, reflecting its etymological roots.
In Polish tradition, the name is celebrated on Andrzejki, a festival held on the night of November 29, which is dedicated to fortune-telling and celebrating the eve of Saint Andrew's feast day. This cultural resonance has helped maintain the name's significance within Polish society, where it is often linked to themes of masculinity and bravery.
A common diminutive form of Andrzej is Jędrek, which has also been used in various cultural contexts, further embedding the name within Polish heritage.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Andrzej was first seen in the United States in 1966. Andrzej has ranked as high as #1215 nationally, which occurred in 1994, and has been most popular in Illinois, Connecticut, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Andrzej has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Andrzej (2006)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 6 |
| 1970 | 8 |
| 1971 | 11 |
| 1972 | 10 |
| 1974 | 11 |
| 1977 | 6 |
| 1978 | 8 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1982 | 11 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 22 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 9 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2005 | 10 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2024 | 9 |