Andrew in Chinese
Origin: Greek
Meaning: manly, strong
The standard Chinese transliteration of Andrew, pronounced Ān Dé Lǔ. The characters are chosen for sound: 安 (ān, "peace, safety"), 德 (dé, "virtue, morality"), 鲁 (lǔ, "honest, simple (phonetic 'ru/lu')"). Native speakers will immediately recognize it as the name Andrew.
Character Breakdown
Note: Reads as the name "Andrew" to native speakers; the characters are chosen for sound, so don't expect a poetic meaning. Traditional form 安德魯 differs from simplified 安德鲁; pick one script and keep it consistent. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
A Chinese-style given name inspired by the meaning of Andrew ("manly, strong"), expressing strength and courage: 勇 (yǒng, "brave, courageous") + 毅 (yì, "resolute, persevering").
Character Breakdown
Note: A meaning-based Chinese given name; it will not sound like your English name, so pair it with an explanation if that matters to you. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
Opens with 安 (ān, "peace, safety"), which echoes the first sound of Andrew (Ān), and adds 然 (rán, "so, thus; natural") for strength and courage. It reads like a natural Chinese given name with a nod to your English one.
Character Breakdown
Note: Looks and sounds like a genuine Chinese given name while still echoing your name; a popular choice for tattoos. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write Andrew in Chinese?
The most common way is 安德鲁 (traditional: 安德魯), pronounced Ān Dé Lǔ. This is the standard phonetic transliteration you would see in Chinese media and translations.
What does 安德鲁 mean?
安德鲁 is a sound-based transliteration, so as a whole it simply means "Andrew". Individually: 安 (ān) = peace, safety; 德 (dé) = virtue, morality; 鲁 (lǔ) = honest, simple (phonetic 'ru/lu'). If you want real meaning, try 勇毅 (Yǒng Yì), inspired by the meaning of Andrew: "manly, strong".
Which Chinese name for Andrew is best for a tattoo?
Choose 安德鲁 if you want people to recognize your name, 勇毅 if you prefer meaning over sound, or 安然 for a natural-sounding Chinese name that still echoes Andrew. Whatever you pick, use a calligraphy font and ask a native speaker to check the final design.