More than 970,000 people who bear the name Andrei or Andreea, as well as their derivatives, celebrate their name day on Saturday, November 30, Saint Andrew the Apostle.
How many Romanians celebrate their name day on Saint Andrew Photo: Archive
According to the data provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Directorate of Population Records, there are 971,299 Romanians who celebrate their name day on Saint Andrew.
Among them, 535,919 are men with the name Andrei or derivatives and 435,380 women with the name Andreea or derivatives.
507,220 men bear the name Andrei. Others are called Andi – 3,228, Andreeas – 925, Andreiaşi/Andreiasi – 6, Andreiu – 280, Andrew – 710, Andrey – 335, Andriaş/Andrias – 6, Andries/Andries – 41, Andru – 162, Andrusha/Andrusa – 8 , Andruta/Andruţă – 22, Andras/Andras/Andras – 10,988, Andrea/Andrea – 845, Andreas/Andreas/Andreaş – 10,997, Andu – 146.
The name Andreea is found in 347,210 women. There are also the derivatives Andra – 32,062, Andrada – 21,587, Andreia – 7,927, Andriana – 966, Andrusa/Andruşa – 7, Andrusca/Andruşca – 6, Andruta/Andruţa – 366, Andrea – 24,793, Deea – 422, Deia – 34, according to Agerpres.
Origin of the name “Andrew” comes from the Greek Andreas, which symbolizes courage, manhood and protection. In Greek mythology, the term “aner”from which the name derives, denoted a “noble man” or “brave man”being associated with the idea of power, virtue and dignity. Thus, “Andrew” it not only evokes inner strength and strong character, but also a deep connection with sacredness and divine protection. These qualities are reflected both in the veneration of Saint Andrew and in the customs related to his celebration.
Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle, the Protector of Romania, is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on November 30.
