I have the late Tom Petty to thank for this one.
While watching the video for his 1989 song “Free Fallin’,” I noticed an interesting name — Andreika — at about the 2-minute mark. The name was part of an advertisement on the back cover of a horoscope magazine.
So…has the name Andreika ever popped up in the U.S. baby name data?
Yes! For four years, sequentially:
- 1989: unlisted
- 1988: 10 baby girls named Andreika
- 1987: 8 baby girls named Andreika
- 1986: 9 baby girls named Andreika
- 1985: 13 baby girls named Andreika [debut & peak]
- 1984: unlisted
- 1983: unlisted
My guess is that these years correspond to the period of time that “Andreika” advertisements were running in various magazines, particularly tabloids.
I’m not sure if all the ads were the same but, in the one version I was able to find online, spell-caster Andreika described all the different spells she could cast, emphasized her magical prowess, and offered her backstory:
I can cast a spell to make one love another, or cause a person to change his mind about a relationship, or bring two people together.
I can do all these things because I have the combined powers of my mother who was a sorceress, and my father, one of the most powerful warlocks who passed on his secrets to me moments before he moved on to a different world.
My magical powers are beyond your imagination. I can cast a spell [on] your behalf regarding a relationship, your financial situation, future events, or whatever is important to you. I have the power and I use the power.
I am Andreika and I can change the course of destiny. Pay me and I shall cast a spell in your favor. Tell me what it is you want and I shall go about my work. Is it someone or something you desire to have? Do you want wealth or happiness or a mate?
I will cast only one spell at a time. Do not ask for more. My energies must be massed toward one specific target; otherwise, my powers are lessened. Send me your most important desire and I shall work my powers in your favor.
Andreika is still around to today, believe it or not — here’s her website. Her Facebook page notes that she’s been “casting magic spells for clients since 1984.”
What are your thoughts on the baby name Andreika? Do you like it more or less than, say, Kebrina?
Source: Degh, Linda. American Folklore and the Mass Media. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press, 1994.