Drew

“Derived from Andrew, meaning 'manly' or 'brave'.” — Embodies a modern twi

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 91% boys♀ 9% girls

#539US 2023

549Births / yr

↓Falling

83.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 191800.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Drew

DROO

/ˈdruː/ · stress on DROO · 1 syllable

“Derived from Andrew, meaning 'manly' or 'brave'.”

Embodies a modern twi · American origin

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.

🌿

How else can you spell Drew?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Dru

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Drew right now?

Declining — down 18 spots — currently #539 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#539 · Top 0.40%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Drew

Best Year2021Rank #509

Peak Count578

Average Rank#2860

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1945 - 202319 years

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:

Emily Hannah Alexis Sarah Samantha

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?

FINNISH

Atte

CROATIAN

AndreaAndrejaAndrijana

CZECH

Andrea

DANISH

AndreaEa

What names sound and feel like Drew?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Drew also consider these

Krew

American · A modern spelling

American · A variation of

English · Manly, brave

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.