Andy's Name
Back in the day, how did you let other kids know that your school supplies were for you and you alone? You put your name on them. (And you hoarded them in your Dora The Explorer pencil case, but we digress.)
Andy clearly has this technique down pat. Since Woody's his favorite toy, Andy has written his name on the bottom of his right foot. And because he's only six-years-old, he's also adorably penned his "N" backwards.
Which is why it's a pretty big blow when Buzz shows up and gets the same Andy's Name treatment after only a few days in the toybox—except that Andy's learned how to write his "N" properly. Looks like Andy is growing up…and getting interested in shiny new toys.
BUZZ: Say there, Lizard and Stretchy Dog. Let me show you something. It looks as though I've been accepted into your culture. Your Chief, Andy, inscribed his name on me.
REX: With permanent ink, too!
As far as we know, Woody was the only toy with Andy's name written on him until Buzz showed up. And Woody clearly thought this Sharpie tattoo meant something special about his relationship with Andy. Woody was the favorite. He was most loved. The most played with.
But, Buzz came along and destroys all that. Now, Woody needs to share…and he doesn't like it one bit.
Love & Friendship & Names
On the one hand, Andy's name is a sign of ownership (these are his toys and no one should try to take them), but it's also clearly a symbol of love and affection. Andy loves these toys so much that he marks them as his own.
His name reminds his toys about how special they are to him, too. When Buzz finally understands how important being a toy is to Woody, he looks down and sees Andy's name written on the bottom of his foot. It's the push he needs to finally break free from his tiny toy depression and escape Sid's bedroom.
To infinity and beyond…or to wherever Andy is.