Andrej is a Slavic form of Andrew, from Greek Andreas, meaning manly or brave.
Andrej is the South and West Slavic rendering of Andrew, itself drawn from the Greek Andrés, rooted in the word anér meaning "man" in the sense of strength and valor. The name traveled westward with early Christianity, carried by the apostle Andrew — first of Christ's disciples — who became the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and several other nations. His X-shaped cross, the saltire, is one of the most recognizable symbols in heraldry.
Across the centuries, Andrej has been borne by rulers, artists, and thinkers from Prague to Ljubljana to Kyiv. The Slovenian poet Andrej Brvar, the Slovak composer Andrej Očenáš, and the Ukrainian sculptor Andrej Bila illustrate how the name threads through Central European cultural life. Its soft second syllable gives it a gentler cadence than its English counterpart, making it feel both ancient and intimate.
In the modern era, Andrej has gained visibility in Western fashion and art circles — largely through figures like model Andreja Pejić — while retaining its proud Slavic identity. It strikes an elegant balance: recognizably European to outsiders, deeply rooted in tradition to those who carry it.