The name Andrae is a variant form of the masculine given name Andreas, which has its roots in the Greek language. The name Andreas is derived from the Greek word "andros," meaning "man" or "warrior," and is closely related to the name Andrew.

In ancient Greek mythology, Andrae was a minor deity associated with strength and masculinity. The name gained popularity during the early Christian era, as it was borne by several saints and martyrs, including St. Andrew the Apostle, who is considered the patron saint of Scotland and Russia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Andrae can be found in the writings of the ancient Roman historian Tacitus, who mentioned a Germanic chieftain named Andrae in his work "Annals." This suggests that the name had spread beyond the Greek-speaking world and was adopted by other cultures as well.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Andrae. For instance, Andrae Gritti (1455-1538) was a Venetian statesman and diplomat who served as the Doge of Venice from 1523 to 1538. Another prominent figure was Andrae Vesalius (1514-1564), a Flemish anatomist and physician who is regarded as the founder of modern human anatomy.

In the realm of literature, Andrae Gide (1869-1951) was a French author and Nobel laureate, known for his works exploring themes of morality and sexuality. Andrae Rublev (c. 1360-1430) was a renowned Russian iconographer and one of the greatest medieval painters of Orthodox Christian art.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Andrae in recent times was Andrae Previn (1930-2019), a German-American pianist, conductor, and composer who won multiple Academy Awards and Grammy Awards for his work in film and music.

While the name Andrae is not as common as its variant Andreas, it has left its mark on history, borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields, ranging from statesmen and diplomats to artists, writers, and scientists.