Andersen

Andersen is a common surname of Scandinavian origin, primarily Danish and Norwegian. It means "son of Anders," Anders being the Scandinavian equivalent of the given name Andrew (derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "brave").

The surname is widely dispersed throughout Scandinavia and in countries with significant Scandinavian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable people with the surname Andersen include:

• Hans Christian Andersen: The celebrated Danish author known for his fairy tales, such as "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Emperor's New Clothes." He is arguably the most famous individual bearing the name.

• Other notable individuals: Many other individuals in various fields, including sports, politics, science, and the arts, also bear the surname Andersen. Their individual prominence varies.

The spelling "Andersen" can sometimes be seen interchanged with similar surnames such as Anderson (more common in English-speaking countries) due to linguistic variations and transliteration. The prevalence of the name and its link to a prominent literary figure make it a recognizable surname worldwide.