The given name Andy is a diminutive form of the Greek name Andreas, which originated from the word "aner" meaning man. It is derived from the Ancient Greek word "andros," meaning manly or virile. The name Andreas has been in use since the 4th century BC and was popular among early Christians, as it was the name of one of the Twelve Apostles, St. Andrew.

Andy gained popularity as a diminutive form of Andrew in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages. It was commonly used as a nickname or pet name for those named Andrew. The earliest recorded use of Andy as a standalone name can be traced back to the 16th century in Scotland.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Andy was Andy Milne, a Scottish poet and writer who lived from 1637 to 1667. He is best known for his satirical works and his contributions to the Scottish Renaissance.

Another famous Andy in history was Andy Warhol, the iconic American artist, filmmaker, and leading figure in the pop art movement. He was born in 1928 and passed away in 1987. Warhol's art and cultural influence were significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

In the world of sports, Andy Murray, the Scottish professional tennis player, has made a name for himself. Born in 1987, Murray has won three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals in his career. He was also the World No. 1 in men's singles tennis for 41 weeks.

Andy Gibb, the youngest member of the famous Bee Gees musical group, was a successful solo artist in the late 1970s. He was born in 1958 and died tragically at the age of 30 in 1988. Some of his hit songs include "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" and "Shadow Dancing."

In the literary world, Andy Weir, an American novelist and software engineer, gained widespread recognition for his debut novel "The Martian," published in 2011. The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2015, starring Matt Damon.