What does Drew mean and where does it come from?
Drew is originally a masculine name derived from Andrew, a name with Greek origins meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a unisex name, particularly for females. Notable individuals named Drew include actress Drew Barrymore. The name embodies a modern twi
Cultural significance
Drew has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from andrew, meaning 'manly' or 'brave'..
Peak popularity
Reached #614 in 1999 — currently #539 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Drew?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Drew?
Drew works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Drew Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Drew Rose
Floral · soft ending
Drew Claire
French influence · crisp
Drew Jane
Literary · strong
Drew Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Drew right now?
Declining — down 18 spots — currently #539 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #539 | 549 | ▼ down 18 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #521 | 568 | ▼ down 12 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #509 | 578 | ▲ up 434 · +115% births |
| 2020 | #943 | 269 | ▲ up 245 · +27% births |
| 2015 | #1188 | 212 | ▲ up 195 · +27% births |
| 2010 | #1383 | 167 | ▼ down 414 · -34% births |
| 2005 | #969 | 252 | ▼ down 166 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #803 | 283 | ▼ down 74 · +1% births |
| 1995 | #729 | 280 | ▲ up 988 · +229% births |
| 1990 | #1717 | 85 | ▼ down 545 · -30% births |
| 1985 | #1172 | 121 | ▲ up 7026 · +1629% births |
| 1980 | #8198 | 7 | ▼ down 175 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #8023 | 6 | ▲ up 27 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #8050 | 5 | ▼ down 3822 · -50% births |
| 1965 | #4228 | 10 | — |
The story of Drew
Drew entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. A total of 83,426 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4607 in 1945 to #539 in 2023. Drew is used for both genders: 9% female and 91% male.
Names that peaked alongside Drew in 1999:
Drew by decade
Drew peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 71 | |
| 1890s | 38 | |
| 1900s | 41 | |
| 1910s | 205 | |
| 1920s | 253 | |
| 1930s | 318 | |
| 1940s | 1,272 | |
| 1950s | 3,404 | |
| 1960s | 4,446 | |
| 1970s | 4,227 | |
| 1980s | 16,292 | |
| 1990s ★ | 21,479 | |
| 2000s | 18,913 | |
| 2010s | 11,665 | |
| 2020s | 802 | |
What are good nicknames for Drew?
CROATIAN
AndreaAndrejaAndrijana
What names sound and feel like Drew?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Drew also consider these
How is Drew written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Drew
What does the name Drew mean?
Drew means "Derived from Andrew, meaning 'manly' or 'brave'." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Drew?
Drew is currently ranked #539 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Drew?
Drew originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Drew?
Drew is a one-syllable name pronounced D R UW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Drew sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Drew flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Drew ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.