"son of Andrew (manly)"
Origin: Scottish/Scandinavian patronymic
Language: English
Anderson
Pronunciation: [ AND-ers-uhn ]
Boy Name
#357 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
A distinguished surname-name with Scandinavian roots meaning son of man
American
Scottish
Scandinavian
Classic
Strong
Sophisticated
Modern
Bold
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Anderson
Anderson is a patronymic surname meaning son of Andrew or son of Anders — both forms deriving ultimately from the Greek Andreas meaning man. As a first name, Anderson follows the American pattern of using distinguished surnames as given names, similar to Harrison, Jefferson, and Emerson. The name has deep roots in Scotland and Scandinavia, where Anderson/Andersson/Andersen ranks among the most common surnames.
Anderson has been climbing as a first name in the US since the 2000s, popularized partly by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper's prominence as a trusted journalist. It strikes a balance between having a familiar sound (Andy) and feeling distinctive as a full given name. The surname feel signals confidence and a professional future.
Anderson is the most common surname in Sweden and one of the most common in the US, carried by descendants of Scottish and Scandinavian immigrants. As a given name, it signals a kind of prep-school sensibility and professional ambition — names like Anderson belong to the tradition that gave us Madison, Preston, and Emerson.
Fun Facts
- Anderson Cooper is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, making him heir to one of America's most famous fortunes and names
- Anderson/Andersson is the most common surname in Sweden, carried by millions of people of Scandinavian descent
Anderson in Other Languages
Danish
Andersen
Swedish
Andersson
Scottish
Anderson
Norwegian
Andersen
Famous People Named Anderson
A
Anderson Silva
Athlete
1975
Brazilian mixed martial artist; former UFC Middleweight Champion and widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all t...
Brazilian mixed martial artist; former UFC Middleweight Champion and widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time
W
Wes Anderson
Artist
1969
American filmmaker known for his distinctive visual style and quirky storytelling in films like The Grand Budapest Hotel...
American filmmaker known for his distinctive visual style and quirky storytelling in films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs
A
Anderson Cooper
Entertainer
1967
American journalist and CNN anchor; son of Gloria Vanderbilt and one of the most trusted news figures in American media
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #357
- Total SSA Count
- 943
- Cultural Origins
- American Scottish Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Andy
Anders
Ander
Sonny
Pairs Well With
Anderson James
Anderson Lee
Anderson Blake
Anderson Cole
Anderson Reid
Anderson Grant
Anderson Clark
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Anderson is also used as a girl name, ranked #1717.
View Anderson as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anderson
What does the name Anderson mean?
"son of Andrew (manly)" (from Scottish/Scandinavian patronymic). Anderson is a patronymic surname meaning son of Andrew or son of Anders — both forms deriving ultimately from the Greek Andreas meaning man. As a first name, Anderson follows the American pattern of using distinguished surnames as given names, similar to Harrison, Jefferson, and Emerson. The name has deep roots in Scotland and Scandinavia, where Anderson/Andersson/Andersen ranks among the most common surnames.
What is the origin of the name Anderson?
Anderson has Scottish/Scandinavian patronymic, American, Scottish, and Scandinavian origins. In Scottish/Scandinavian patronymic, it means "son of Andrew (manly)".
Is Anderson a boy or girl name?
Anderson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #357. As a girl name, it is ranked #1717. Anderson is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Anderson?
Anderson is pronounced AND-ers-uhn.
How popular is the name Anderson?
Anderson is currently ranked #357 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Anderson?
Common nicknames for Anderson include Andy, Anders, Ander, and Sonny.
What are good middle names for Anderson?
Popular middle name pairings include Anderson James, Anderson Lee, Anderson Blake, Anderson Cole, Anderson Reid, Anderson Grant, and Anderson Clark.
What are good sibling names for Anderson?
Names that pair well with Anderson as siblings include Harrison, Parker, Quinn, Elliot, Sloane, Morgan, and Emerson.
How many syllables does Anderson have?
Anderson has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Anderson a common or rare name?
Anderson is a popular name, ranked #357 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Anderson
Anderson is a boy name with American, Scottish, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "son of Andrew (manly)" in Scottish/Scandinavian patronymic .
Is Anderson a boy or girl name? Anderson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #357 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,717. Anderson is more commonly used as a boy name.
Anderson is currently ranked #357 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Anderson has 3 syllables and is pronounced AND-ers-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Anderson include Andy, Anders, Ander, and Sonny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Anderson include Ander, Anders, Andersen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.