A Dutch short form of Andreas, from Greek meaning manly or brave.
Dries is a Dutch short form of Andreas, which comes from Greek and carries the meaning manly or brave. As a short form, it strips the older name down to something brisk, direct, and easy to say, but it does not lose the traditional weight behind it. The result is a compact name with a strong European pedigree and a distinctly Dutch flavor.
In use, Dries feels practical and familiar in the Low Countries, but fresh to many elsewhere. It has the honesty and brevity that often make nicknames feel more modern than their originals, even when the roots are ancient. Because it comes from Andreas, it shares in the long Christian and classical history of Andrew names, yet it avoids the formality of the full version.
Dries sounds sturdy, approachable, and quietly confident. It is one of those short names that feel so natural in their home language that they seem almost effortless.