Origin: Japanese, Armenian
Meaning: “Peaceful east” (Japanese), “Gift of God” (Armenian)
Gender: Male
Popularity: Rare

Ando is a name with dual cultural significance. In Japanese, it’s a surname meaning “peaceful east,” while in Armenian, it’s a diminutive of names ending in “-and,” often meaning “Gift of God.”

The name gained some recognition through Tadao Ando, a self-taught, Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect known for his minimalist aesthetic and use of natural light.

While not common as a first name in Western countries, Ando has potential appeal for parents seeking a short, meaningful name with a multicultural background. Its simplicity and positive connotations make it an intriguing choice.

Variations might include Andō (with a long ‘o’ sound) in Japanese or Anto in Armenian. As a nickname, it could serve as a unique shortening of longer names like Anderson or Andrew.