Drew Name Meaning: Origins, Popularity, and Significance

Origins of Drew

Drew is a popular name with a rich history and meaning. The name Drew is derived from the name Andrew, which is of Greek origin. The original Greek name, Andreas, means “manly” or “warrior”, and it was a common name among early Christians. The name Andrew was also borne by one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

Over time, the name Andrew evolved into various forms, including Drew. The name Drew first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century and has since become a popular unisex name.

The name Drew is also associated with the surname Drew, which has its origins in England. The Drew family history can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The name Drew is derived from the Norman French personal name Dreus, which is based on the Germanic name Drogo.

The Drew family crest features a red shield with three silver lions, which symbolize courage and strength. The Drew family motto, “Deus Meus Adiutor” means “God is my helper” and reflects the family’s strong Christian faith.

In summary, the name Drew has a rich history and meaning. It is derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means “manly” or “warrior”. The Drew family history can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England, and the family crest and motto reflect their strong Christian faith.

Popularity Over Decades

If you are curious about the popularity of the name Drew over the years, you have come to the right place. According to data from Behind the Name, Drew has been a moderately popular name in the United States for both boys and girls.

In the 1890s, Drew was used by only 0.020% of boys and did not appear in the top 1000 names for girls. However, by the 2010s, the name had become more popular, reaching its peak in 2015 when it was the 162nd most popular name for boys and the 878th most popular name for girls.

Here is a breakdown of Drew’s popularity by decade:

Decade	Popularity for Drew (Masculine)	Popularity for Drew (Feminine)
1890s	0.020%	N/A
1900s	0.030%	N/A
1910s	0.040%	N/A
1920s	0.050%	N/A
1930s	0.060%	N/A
1940s	0.070%	N/A
1950s	0.080%	N/A
1960s	0.090%	N/A
1970s	0.120%	N/A
1980s	0.230%	0.010%
1990s	0.350%	0.020%
2000s	0.380%	0.020%
2010s	0.340%	0.011%
2020s	0.030%	0.017%

As you can see, Drew’s popularity has fluctuated over the years, with a significant increase in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the name has become less popular in recent years, particularly for girls.

If you are considering naming your child Drew, it is worth noting that the name has been consistently in the top 1000 names for boys since the 1970s, but has only recently become a more popular name for girls. Ultimately, the popularity of the name may depend on various factors, including cultural trends and personal preferences.

Famous People Named Drew

If you are considering naming your child Drew, it may be helpful to know that there are many famous people who share this name. Here are some notable actors, athletes, and comedians named Drew.

Actors and Actresses

One of the most famous actresses named Drew is Drew Barrymore. She is a well-known actress, producer, and director who has appeared in many popular films and television shows. Barrymore has won numerous awards for her work, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Another actress named Drew is Drew Sidora. She is an American actress and singer who has appeared in a number of films and television shows. Sidora is best known for her roles in the films “Step Up” and “White Chicks.”

Sports Figures

Drew Bledsoe is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was the first overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft and played for the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys during his career.

Another famous football player named Drew is Drew Brees. He is a retired NFL quarterback who played for the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints during his career. Brees is widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and he holds several NFL records.

Comedians

Drew Carey is a well-known comedian and television host. He is best known for his roles on the television shows “The Drew Carey Show” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Carey has also hosted several game shows, including “The Price Is Right.”

Another comedian named Drew is Drew Lynch. He is an American comedian and actor who gained fame after appearing on the tenth season of “America’s Got Talent.” Lynch has since gone on to perform stand-up comedy and act in films and television shows.

In conclusion, there are many famous people named Drew who have achieved success in various fields. Whether you are looking for a strong and manly name for your son or a polished and intellectual name for your daughter, Drew is a great choice.

Gender-Neutral Usage of Drew

Drew is a popular gender-neutral name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a shortened form of the name Andrew, which means “manly” or “warrior”. However, Drew has become increasingly popular as a gender-neutral name, with more parents choosing it for their daughters as well as their sons.

The name Drew has Welsh origins and means “wise” or “true”. It was once an alternative to the name Andy before becoming a name of its own. Drew Barrymore, the famous actress and producer, is a well-known bearer of the name.

Drew is a versatile name that can be used for both males and females. It has a strong and confident sound that makes it a popular choice for parents who want a gender-neutral name that is not too feminine or masculine.

Nancy Drew, the fictional character, is a popular cultural reference associated with the name Drew. She is a strong and intelligent female detective who has been inspiring girls and women for generations. The name Drew is a great choice for parents who want to give their daughters a name that is both strong and feminine.

In conclusion, Drew is a popular gender-neutral name that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has a strong and confident sound that makes it a great choice for both males and females. Whether you are looking for a name that is modern, versatile, or strong, Drew is a great choice that will never go out of style.

Alternative Names and Nicknames

If you’re considering naming your child Drew, it’s important to know that there are several alternative names and nicknames you can use. Some of the most popular alternative names for Drew include Andrew, Andy, and Dru. Andrew is the full version of the name, while Andy and Dru are shortened versions.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the name Andy, some great options include Andie, Anders, and Andre. These names are similar to Andy, but with a unique twist. Andie is a great option for a girl, while Anders and Andre are great options for boys.

There are also several related names to Drew that you might consider. Some of the most popular related names include Drury, Georgiana, Grace, Dara, Dora, Dore, and Drea. Drury is a surname that can also be used as a first name, while Georgiana and Grace are more traditional names that have similar meanings to Drew.

If you’re looking for a unique nickname for your child, there are several options to choose from. Some popular nicknames for Drew include Drewbacca, Drewster, Drewbie, and Drew-man. Drewbacca is a play on the Star Wars character Chewbacca and is perfect for Drews who are big Star Wars fans. Drewster and Drewbie are cute and playful nicknames, while Drew-man is a more masculine option.

Ultimately, the name you choose for your child is a personal decision, but knowing the alternative names and nicknames for Drew can help you make an informed choice.

Characteristics Associated with Drew

If you’re considering naming your child Drew, you may be wondering what characteristics are associated with this name. Drew is a strong and polished name that is often associated with intellectual individuals who are capable of standing on their own.

The name Drew is derived from the Greek word “Andreios,” which means brave or courageous. This association with strength and bravery has carried over into modern times, and the name Drew is often associated with individuals who are strong-willed and determined.

In addition to strength, the name Drew is also associated with wisdom. The Welsh variation of the name, which is believed to have stemmed from “Drw” or “Drew,” means wise or true. This association with wisdom has made the name Drew a popular choice for parents who want to give their child a name that is both strong and intelligent.

Overall, the name Drew is a polished and powerful name that is associated with practicality, hard work, and responsibility. Whether you’re naming a boy or a girl, the name Drew is a great choice for parents who want to give their child a name that is both strong and wise.

Drew in Different Cultures

The name Drew has its roots in various cultures, and its meaning and significance vary accordingly. Here are some of the ways in which the name is perceived in different cultures:

• English: Drew is a shortened form of the name Andrew, which means “manly” or “warrior” in Greek. In Old English, the name Drew was derived from the word “drēogan,” which means “to endure” or “to suffer.” Today, the name is often associated with creativity and artistic talent.
• Irish: The name Drew is derived from the Irish Ó Draoi, which means “descendant of the druid.” The druids were ancient Celtic priests who had a deep understanding of nature and the universe. In Irish mythology, they were revered for their wisdom and magical powers.
• French: In France, Drew is both a surname and a given name. It became popular in France as Dreus and Drues, and another source was the county of Dreux, ruled by the Counts of Dreux from the 12th century onward.
• German: The German name Duri is a variant of Drew. It means “strong” or “firm.”
• Hebrew: In Hebrew, the name Drew is spelled דרו and pronounced “dru.” It does not have a specific meaning in Hebrew, but it is sometimes used as a nickname for the name Andrew.

Overall, the name Drew has a rich and varied history, and its meaning and significance depend on the culture and context in which it is used.