All about the name

Drew

Male

« Drew is a popular unisex given name with two primary origins: either derived from the Old English element "drūg," meaning "drop" or "dew", or more commonly considered a short form of Andrew, which means "bold man". »

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Meaning, origin, history

Drew is a popular given name that has gained prominence in recent years, especially among English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. The name has two primary origins: it can be considered either a unisex name or a variant of Andrew/Drew. 1. Unisex Origin: Some believe Drew to be a unisex name derived from the Old English element "drūg," meaning "drop" or "dew." This interpretation suggests that Drew could be associated with water, nature, and renewal. However, there is little historical evidence to support this etymology. 2. Andrew/Drew Variant: More commonly, Drew is considered a short form or variant of the male given name Andrew. Andrew is derived from the Greek name "Andreas," which was formed from the elements "ἀνήρ" (anēr), meaning "man," and "ἀνδός" (andós), meaning "bold." Thus, Drew essentially means "bold man." The use of Drew as a distinct given name, rather than simply a nickname for Andrew, gained traction in the mid-20th century. It became particularly popular during the 1970s and has continued to be used consistently since then. Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Drew or Andrew who have contributed to various fields such as acting, music, sports, and politics. However, it is important to note that this presentation focuses solely on the origins and meanings of the name Drew, without referencing any particular traits or associated celebrations.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Drew since 1880

Total births
77,487
Total since 1880
Peak year
1985
2,276 births
in 2023
546
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-26%
vs previous 5 years