From the Scandinavian region of Europe, especially in Denmark and Norway the surname of Anderson means son of Andrew. The name Andrew comes from the Greek name of Andreas which means manly.

Other spellings for the Anderson surname include Anderssen, Andersen, McAndrews and Andersson.

The surname is very common in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Scotland and the United States, especially in the Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. In Sweden, Anderson is the second most common name.

Famous: Lori Anderson (TV actress), Joe Anderson (English actor), Charles David Anderson (Civil War Confederate General), George Frederick Anderson (musician), Louie Anderson (comic), Melissa Sue Anderson (actress), Sherwood Anderson (writer), Paul W. S. Anderson (film maker), Pamela Denise Anderson (model), Marian Anderson (singer at the Metropolitan Opera) and Harry Anderson (actor and magician).