Drew is a name that has been around for centuries. It is both a boy’s and girl’s name of Greek origin, meaning “strong and manly.” The name Drew has become increasingly popular in recent years, projecting a polished and intellectual impression. It is rapidly becoming the Andrew nickname of choice, replacing the past favorite, Andy.
The name Drew has an interesting history. It was first used as a surname and a given name in France, where it became popular as Dreus and Drues. Another source was the county of Dreux, also in France, ruled by the Counts of Dreux from the 12th century onward. A son of Charlemagne had the name Drew, which contributed to its popularity in France.
If you are considering naming your child Drew, it is essential to understand the meaning and origin of the name. This article will delve into the history of the name Drew, its popularity, and the significance of its meaning. We will explore the various cultural and historical contexts that have contributed to the name’s popularity and significance.
Origin of the Name Drew
Drew is a unisex name that has its roots in several cultures. The name is derived from the ancient Germanic name Drogo, which means “to serve as a soldier”. In Old French, the name became Dreus, Drues (nominative), and Dru, Driu, Dreu (accusative). The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became popular as a surname and a given name.
In France, the name Drew became popular as Dreus and Drues, thanks to a son of Charlemagne who had that name. Another source of the name was the county of Dreux, also in France, which was ruled by the Counts of Dreux from the 12th century onward.
In England, the name Drew was originally a surname that descended from Herman de Drewes, whose name translates literally as “from Drewes”. The surname Drew was first found in Wiltshire, where Amalric de Drewes held lands as listed in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The name Drew is also a diminutive of Andrew, which is of Greek origin and means “strong and manly”. Drew, which projects a polished, somewhat intellectual impression, is rapidly becoming the Andrew nickname of choice, replacing the past favorite, Andy.
In Irish, the name Drew is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Draoi, which means “descendant of the druid”. In Georgian, the name Drew is spelled as ანდრი (Andri) and is a variant of the name Andre. In Welsh, the name Drew is spelled as Dafydd and is a variant of the name David.
Other variants of the name Drew include Andrei (Macedonian), Andrea (Italian), Atte (Finnish), Tero (Finnish), André (French), and Ander (Basque). The name Drew is also found in Spanish, Scottish, Danish, Dutch, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Romanian, Estonian, Bulgarian, Russian, Galician, Portuguese, Belarusian, Croatian, Czech, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Lithuanian, Catalan, Ukrainian, Faroese, Latvian, and Ancient Greek cultures.
Meaning of Drew
Drew is a unisex name of Greek origin, meaning “strong and manly.” It is a short form of the name Andrew and has been in use since the 1940s. Drew is a name that projects a polished and intellectual impression, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is both modern and classic.
The name Drew is often associated with characteristics such as strength, courage, and trust. These qualities are often associated with masculinity, making Drew a popular choice for parents looking for a name that embodies these traits.
Despite its association with masculinity, Drew has become a popular choice for girls as well. The name’s gender-neutral nature makes it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and versatile.
In summary, Drew is a name that is both strong and versatile, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a modern and classic name that embodies qualities such as strength, courage, and trust.
Drew as a Surname
Drew is a popular surname that has an interesting origin. The surname Drew came to England with the ancestors of the Drew family in the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Drew family lived in Wiltshire and descended from Herman de Drewes, whose name translates literally as from Drewes.
In the USA, the Drew surname is quite common, with many families having this name. In 1880, there were 8 Drew’s families living in Wisconsin, which was 100% of all the recorded Drew’s in the USA. Wisconsin had the highest population of Drew’s families in 1880.
The Drew family name has also been found in the UK. In Old French, the name became Dreus, Drues (nominative), and Dru, Driu, Dreu (accusative) and was introduced to England by the Normans. Another source was the county of Dreux, also in France, ruled by the Counts of Dreux from the 12th century onward.
Drew could also be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic “Mac AnDruaidh, O’ Druaidh”, meaning “son of” or “male descendant of” the druid.
Overall, the Drew family name has a rich history and has been passed down through generations. Today, many families still carry the Drew surname and take pride in their family’s heritage.
Drew in Popular Culture
The name Drew has been a popular choice for characters in movies, TV shows, and books. Here are a few examples:
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Drew Barrymore: The American actress and producer has been a household name for decades. She has starred in many popular movies, including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “50 First Dates.”
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Songs: There are many songs with the name Drew in the title or lyrics. Some notable examples include “Drew Barrymore” by SZA and “Drew Brees” by Lil Wayne.
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The X Factor: Drew Ryniewicz was a contestant on the first season of the American version of “The X Factor.” She made it to the top seven before being eliminated.
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Nancy Drew: Nancy Drew is a fictional character who has been the protagonist of many books, movies, and TV shows. She is a teenage detective who solves mysteries.
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Drew Brees: Drew Brees is a retired American football quarterback who played for the New Orleans Saints. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
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Drew Carey: Drew Carey is an American actor and comedian who is best known for hosting the game show “The Price is Right.”
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Drew McIntyre: Drew McIntyre is a Scottish professional wrestler who currently performs for WWE. He has won multiple championships in the company.
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Drew Neemia: Drew Neemia is a New Zealand actor and singer who is best known for his role in the TV show “The Tribe.”
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Drew Peterson: Drew Peterson is a former police sergeant who was convicted of murdering his third wife and suspected of murdering his fourth wife.
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Drew Pinsky: Drew Pinsky, also known as Dr. Drew, is an American celebrity doctor who has hosted many TV shows and podcasts. He is known for his work in addiction medicine.
Overall, the name Drew has had a significant presence in popular culture, with many famous individuals carrying the name and appearing in various forms of media.
Drew as a Nickname
Drew is a popular nickname for the name Andrew, which means “strong and manly.” It’s a diminutive of the name Andrew and is often used as a standalone name for both boys and girls. Here are some interesting facts about Drew as a nickname:
- Drew is a gender-neutral name, and it’s becoming more popular as a first name for girls in recent years.
- Drew is a polished and intellectual name that projects a friendly and approachable impression.
- Drew is a popular name in the United States, and it’s currently ranked #1788 in popularity for baby girls.
- Drew is also a surname, and it has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century in France.
If you’re considering using Drew as a nickname for your child, here are some potential middle name pairings to consider:
| Middle Name | Gender | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| James | Male | English | Supplanter |
| Elizabeth | Female | Hebrew | God is my oath |
| Michael | Male | Hebrew | Who is like God? |
| Grace | Female | Latin | Charm, elegance |
| Benjamin | Male | Hebrew | Son of the right hand |
Overall, Drew is a versatile and charming nickname that can be used for both boys and girls. Whether you choose to use it as a standalone name or as a nickname for Andrew, Drew is a timeless and classic choice that will never go out of style.
Drew in Different Languages
Drew is a versatile name that has been adopted in many cultures and languages around the world. Here are some examples of how the name Drew is used in different languages:
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Greek: In Greek, Drew means “man” or “warrior”. It is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls.
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Irish: In Irish, Drew is a diminutive of the male given name Andrew, which means “manly” or “strong”.
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French: In French, Drew is derived from the county of Dreux, which was ruled by the Counts of Dreux from the 12th century onward.
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German: In German, Drew is a variant of the name Andreas, which means “manly” or “warrior”.
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Italian: In Italian, Drew is a variant of the name Andrea, which means “manly” or “warrior”.
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Spanish: In Spanish, Drew is a diminutive of the name Andrés, which means “manly” or “warrior”.
Other languages that have adopted the name Drew include Dutch, Scandinavian, and Polish.
Related names to Drew include Dora, Drea, Liam, Grace, Dara, and Maxwell. Dora is a diminutive of the name Dorothy, while Drea is a variant of the name Andrea. Liam is a popular Irish name that means “strong-willed warrior”, while Grace is a name that means “elegance” or “charm”. Dara is a unisex name that means “oak tree” in Irish, while Maxwell is a name that means “great stream” in Scottish.
Overall, Drew is a name that has been embraced by many cultures and languages, and its meaning of strength and warrior-like qualities make it a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and versatile name for their child.
Drew as a Boy and Girl Name
Drew is a name that can be used for both boys and girls. It has a Greek origin and means “strong and manly.” As a boy’s name, Drew is a shortened version of the name Andrew, which means “warrior” or “manly” in Greek. Drew has been used as a nickname for Andrew for many decades, and it has been a standalone name since 1942.
In recent years, Drew has become a popular name for girls as well. It is an elegant, gender-neutral alternative to the name Andy. Drew Barrymore, the American actress, is one of the most famous women with the name Drew. Her popularity has helped to make the name more popular for girls.
According to BabyCenter user data, Drew is a more popular name for boys than girls in the United States. In 2023, Drew was ranked as the 345th most popular boy’s name, with 116 more babies named Drew than in 2022. Drew is also a popular name for girls, but it is not as popular as it is for boys.
Here are some interesting facts about the name Drew:
- Drew is a trendy gender-neutral name that originated from Andrew, which is derived from the Greek word “Andreios” meaning “manly,” “masculine,” “brave,” or “courageous.”
- The Welsh variation of the name is believed to have stemmed from “Drw” or “Drew,” meaning “wise” or “true.”
- Drew is a name that can be spelled in different ways, including Drew, Dru, or Drue.
- Drew has been used as a surname as well. Some famous people with the last name Drew include John Drew Barrymore, the father of Drew Barrymore, and Bryce Drew, a former NBA player.
Overall, Drew is a versatile name that can be used for both boys and girls. It is a strong and elegant name that has been popular for many decades.