The Council of Andrews: A Global Network Reclaiming a Name
In recent years, the name Andrew has faced a public relations crisis, tarnished by notorious figures like Andrew Tate and the former Prince Andrew. Even a CEO embroiled in a Coldplay scandal was an Andy, marking a rough period for anyone bearing the name. As an Andrew myself, I embarked on a mission to find fellow Andrews doing good in the world, leading me to discover an exclusive community: the Council of Andrews.
Origins and Growth of the Council
The Council of Andrews began in early February 2019 when Andrew Patts, a 34-year-old US army reserve veteran, felt lonely after relocating to St Louis, Missouri. Inspired by a Facebook group for people named James, Patts created a similar space for Andrews, sending mysterious invitations that read, "You're invited to join the Council of Andrews." Within eight months, 1,000 members had joined, with October 15 now celebrated as Drewnity Day.
Today, the group boasts nearly 6,700 members worldwide, primarily from the US but spanning 30 countries across Europe, Mexico, and Canada. It's a closed collective, open only to those whose forename derives from the Greek root Andreas, including variants like Andrés, Drew, and Andrea. Members follow specific rules, have their own flag featuring a stylised "A" and seven stars representing core values, and hold annual festivals called DrewFests.
Community Impact and Support
Far from being a mere meme, the Council of Andrews has evolved into a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting its members. In a typical month, the group sees over 600 posts, ranging from Andrew-centric discussions and memes to heartfelt requests for advice. Fundraising is a staple, with the community raising more than $15,000 to support Andrews in need.
Notable efforts include raising $1,500 for a member in a custody battle and $5,000 for Andrew Pagano, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, to buy a prosthetic replacement. Pagano expressed gratitude, saying, "The Council has made me feel nothing short of loved. I'm forever grateful to my Drewish brothers and sisters." Additionally, the group runs a Christmas gift drive for children of struggling Andrews and offers a $50 scholarship to help members with college application fees, benefiting at least six individuals so far.
Personal Connections and Stories
The council has fostered deep personal connections, with members forming friendships, finding financial help, and even meeting fiancés. Andrea Carbone, a 38-year-old from South Carolina, joined in 2023 and later met her fiancé Andrew through the group after sharing a photo of a local restaurant. "He proposed to me in front of a Ferrari," Carbone recalls, highlighting the unexpected bonds formed.
For many, the council provides a vital social lifeline. Andrew Warner, who joined as a joke, found it crucial after deciding to stop using drugs and cutting off old friendships. "It's all I use Facebook for; I call it the 'Andrew app'," he says. Warner also shared that the group helped him come to terms with his name, which he once disliked due to its "manly" connotations, saying, "I've really come to terms with who I am through a silly little Facebook group."
Challenges and Rivalries
The name Andrew has seen declining popularity, with data showing it fell out of Scotland's top 100 names in 2024 and US births dropping from over 22,000 in 2003 to just 4,772 in 2024. Experts attribute this to secularisation and negative associations with controversial figures. The council maintains strict rules to preserve its positive ethos, with the top rule being "Peace among Drews." Disruptive members are removed, and the group avoids political leanings to focus on supporting one another and competing with "Benemies" like the Council of Bens or the Kingdom of Kyle.
The Council of Andrews aims to catch up with rival groups like the Ryans, who have 103,000 Instagram followers and host large meet-ups. While the Andrews' most notable member is science-fiction author Andy Weir, founder Andrew Patts hopes to attract celebrities like Andrew Garfield or Andrew Lincoln to boost their profile.
A UK Meet-Up Experience
To experience the community firsthand, I organised a mini DrewFest in Manchester, UK, bringing together Andrews from Newcastle, Grimsby, north Wales, and beyond. We met near St Andrews Chambers, with eight members gathering in a sports bar basement. The day blended Andrew-centric chat with personal stories, revealing diverse backgrounds—from a wedding DJ to a restaurant manager—and fostering a sense of belonging.
Andrew Edwards-Hughes summed it up: "It's just nice to think that based on a name, there are nearly 7,000 of us. A sense of belonging I never knew I needed." The event highlighted how the council helps men, who often struggle to maintain friendships, build connections through shared activities and open dialogue.
Looking Ahead
As photos from the meet-up were shared online, more Andrews expressed interest in future events, reflecting the group's growing momentum. Patts envisions expansion, noting, "40 can soon be 400, and soon be 4,000. It feels like just the beginning of something major." With annual DrewFests and ongoing support initiatives, the Council of Andrews is poised to continue reclaiming the name through unity and kindness.
