Andrews History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Picts of ancient Scotland were the tribe of the ancestors of the Andrews family. The name Andrews is derived from the baptismal name Andrew which in Greek means manly. The name was popular as both a personal name and a surname, likely because it was the name of Scotland’s patron saint. In Gaelic the name is Aindrea and Anndra which again means manly.

Early Origins of the Andrews family

The surname Andrews was first found in Caithness (Gaelic: Gallaibh), the northern tip of Scotland, a Norse/Viking controlled region from the 9th century, which became the Earldom of Caithness.

This family was strongly associated with the Clan Ross. It was originally known as the Clan Siol Andrea, meaning the race of Andrew. However, from about the year 1100 the Andrews moved south to the Dumfriesshire area of southwest Scotland. Duncan Andrew, Chief of the Clan, rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296. 1

Some of the family were found further south in England, specifically at Shotley in Northumberland where “Shotley Hall is said to have been built by Dr. Andrews, physician to the first royal Duke of Cumberland.” 2

Sir Edmund Andros (1637-1714) was born in London and rose to become an English colonial administrator in North America. The 1689 Boston revolt was directly attributed to his actions in New England.