Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Anderson
BoyScottish, English· “son of Andrew”
- Meaning
- son of Andrew
- Origin
- Scottish, English
- Pronunciation
- AN-dur-suhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #363
- US babies 2025
- 898
- Best rank
- #215 (1882)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Anderson
Anderson is a Scottish and English name that means “son of Andrew”.
Anderson is a patronymic surname meaning son of Andrew, found in Scotland and northern England, with close Scandinavian relatives such as Andersen and Andersson. Andrew itself comes from the Greek Andreas, built on a word for man, and was borne by the apostle Saint Andrew, patron saint of Scotland. Used as a first name, Anderson has a polished, professional feel, similar to other surname names like Harrison and Emerson. Its length gives it presence, while the short forms Andy and Ander offer a more casual option. It also works well as a middle name that honors a family surname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Andersen.
Popularity over time
Anderson has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 139 different years. Its best national rank was #215 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 2012, when 1,249 were named Anderson. In 2025, 898 babies were named Anderson, and it ranked #363 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #451 in 1920, #668 in 1950, #1,010 in 1980, #784 in 2000, #313 in 2010, and #363 in 2025. Of the 33,991 US boys named Anderson since records began, 34% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 5,940 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cruz, Kendrick, Cash, Braylen, and Brycen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anderson ranked highest in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #167 | 34 |
| Mississippi | #182 | 17 |
| Louisiana | #191 | 27 |
| Tennessee | #208 | 43 |
| North Carolina | #227 | 55 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Anderson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Anderson is usually pronounced AN-dur-suhn, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with A and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Andersen.
Middle names for Anderson
A few middle names that flow with Anderson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anderson
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Lists that include Anderson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anderson mean?
Anderson is a Scottish and English name that means “son of Andrew”.
What is the origin of the name Anderson?
Anderson has Scottish, English, and Greek roots. Anderson is a patronymic surname meaning son of Andrew, found in Scotland and northern England, with close Scandinavian relatives such as Andersen and Andersson.
Is Anderson a popular name?
Yes. Anderson ranked #363 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Anderson a boy or girl name?
Anderson is mainly a boy's name. About 94% of US babies named Anderson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Anderson?
Anderson is usually pronounced AN-dur-suhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings