The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the thirteenth century with individuals like David le Fitz Andreu, a burgess of Peebles, and Duncan Fitz Andreu of Dumfries. The largest historic grouping of your family was located in the north-east. James Anderson of that Ilk held a notable position at the Court of the Lord Lyon during the reign of James V and was appointed Carrick Pursuivant of Arms. James Anderson of Sterheuch became the ancestor of the families of Bruntstane and Noth, who thrived in the Strathbogie region. From the Andersons of Noth emerged the Andersons of Dummois, Ardbrake, and Westerton. However, during the tumultuous seventeenth century, some members of this family faced misfortune, leading to their relocation to Southern Ireland. A cadet branch, the Andersons of Kinnedder, remained in Moray until the late nineteenth century, when they moved to Glasgow. Another notable branch, the Andersons of Candacraig, held their lands for over ten generations from the late sixteenth century and eventually moved to Canada in the nineteenth century. In 1836, their relative Sir Alexander Anderson of Blelack established the North of Scotland Bank, served as Lord Provost of Aberdeen, and was knighted in 1863.

Fife was also home to a flourishing group of Anderson families, such as the Andersons of Kingask and Newbiggin, many of whom served as ministers of the Church of Scotland and originated from the families of Westerton and Ardbrake in Aberdeenshire. During the eighteenth century, members of this family played vital roles in the British East India Company. Fife is also known for other Anderson families, including the families of Fetykil and Pittormie. The clerical and legal family of Anderson of Inchyra was established when Reverend David Anderson acquired the Inchyra estate, although their original roots can be traced to Perthshire. Many male members of this family went on to become lawyers or serve in the East India Company. They later acquired the additional estate of St. Germains in East Lothian. Two more prominent groups of Andersons were the Glasgow families of Dowhill and Stobcross. The Stobcross family lent their name to the urban district of Anderston, originally known as ‘Anderson’s Town’. Their relatives, the Andersons of Dowhill, rose to prominence as merchants, with John Anderson of Dowhill serving as Provost of Glasgow twice in the 1660s.

The crest of the Andersons features an oak tree Proper, accompanied by the motto ‘Stand Sure’. This motto encapsulates the enduring spirit and steadfastness that runs through the generations of your family.