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.
The name Drew experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Starting from the late 19th century with fewer than 10 births per year, it began to gain traction around the turn of the century, reaching triple digits by 1915. The name peaked between the mid-1940s and early 1960s, with over 400 births annually during this period. However, popularity declined steadily from the late 1960s onwards, dropping below 300 births per year by 1971. Despite a slight resurgence in the mid-1980s, Drew has remained relatively uncommon since then, with fewer than 600 births per year on average during the 2000s and 2010s.