What does Anderson mean and where does it come from?
Anderson is a surname of Scottish origin that has become popular as a given name. The name means 'son of Andrew,' with Andrew itself deriving from the Greek name Andreas meaning 'manly.' The name Anderson is commonly used in both Scottish and American cultures, and it has seen a rise in usage among
Cultural significance
Anderson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of andrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #1977 in 2020 — currently #332 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anderson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anderson?
Anderson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anderson Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anderson Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anderson Mae
Sweet · timeless
Anderson Claire
French influence · crisp
Anderson Jane
Literary · strong
Anderson Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anderson right now?
Holding steady — currently #332 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #332 | 1,008 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #337 | 1,001 | ▼ down 9 |
| 2021 | #328 | 1,003 | ▲ up 1649 · +967% births |
| 2020 | #1977 | 94 | ▲ up 473 · +27% births |
| 2015 | #2450 | 74 | ▲ up 1363 · +85% births |
| 2010 | #3813 | 40 | ▲ up 1993 · +90% births |
| 2005 | #5806 | 21 | ▲ up 2740 · +91% births |
| 2000 | #8546 | 11 | ▼ down 1489 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #7057 | 12 | — |
The story of Anderson
Anderson entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. A total of 30,141 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7057 in 1995 to #332 in 2023. Anderson is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Anderson in 2020:
Anderson by decade
Anderson peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 430 | |
| 1890s | 415 | |
| 1900s | 414 | |
| 1910s | 1,058 | |
| 1920s | 1,369 | |
| 1930s | 981 | |
| 1940s | 1,031 | |
| 1950s | 1,034 | |
| 1960s | 750 | |
| 1970s | 738 | |
| 1980s | 925 | |
| 1990s | 1,763 | |
| 2000s | 5,999 | |
| 2010s ★ | 12,070 | |
| 2020s | 1,164 | |
What are good nicknames for Anderson?
What names sound and feel like Anderson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anderson also consider these
Common questions about the name Anderson
What does the name Anderson mean?
Anderson means "son of Andrew" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Anderson?
Anderson is currently ranked #332 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Anderson?
Anderson originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Anderson?
Anderson is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 N D ER0 S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Anderson?
Anderson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.