English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
name Common

Anderson

AN-d-suhn

Anderson (name) means a Scottish surname derived as a patronymic, also used as a male given name and the name of numerous places worldwide. Example: “Anderson is one of the most common surnames in Scotland.”

name
1
A Scottish surname derived as a patronymic, also used as a male given name and the name of numerous places worldwide.
"Anderson is one of the most common surnames in Scotland."

Word Forms

Andersons plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Anderson” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is one of the most common surnames in Scotland.

Etymology

From Middle English Ander ("Andrew") + -son, after Saint Andrew, patron saint of Scotland.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for Anderson

See all rhymes for Anderson →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Anderson” mean?

The word “Anderson” means a Scottish surname derived as a patronymic, also used as a male given name and the name of numerous places worldwide.

How do you pronounce “Anderson”?

“Anderson” is pronounced AN-d-suhn (/ˈæn.dɚ.sən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Anderson” in a sentence?

Here is “Anderson” used in a sentence: “Anderson is one of the most common surnames in Scotland.”

What part of speech is “Anderson”?

“Anderson” is a name.

Where does the word “Anderson” come from?

The word “Anderson” comes from Middle English. From Middle English Ander ("Andrew") + -son, after Saint Andrew, patron saint of Scotland.

Is “Anderson” a common word?

“Anderson” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Is 'Anderson' Scottish or English in origin?

Anderson is Scottish in origin, formed as a patronymic from the personal name Andrew. It has since spread widely and is now common across many English-speaking countries.

Is 'Anderson' used as a first name as well as a surname?

Yes. Although Anderson is primarily a surname, it is also used as a male given name. In addition, it appears as the name of many towns and other places worldwide.

Featured In

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial