What Does the Name Drew Mean?
Drew is a unisex name of English (from Greek / Germanic) origin meaning “manly; sturdy / wise.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Drew |
|---|---|
| Gender | unisex |
| Origin | English (from Greek / Germanic) |
| Meaning | manly; sturdy / wise |
| Variants | Dru, Drue, Andrew |
| Popularity | A unisex name in the United States, traditionally masculine but popularized for girls by actress Drew Barrymore. |
The meaning and origin of Drew
The name Drew means “manly; sturdy / wise” and has English (from Greek / Germanic) origins. Originally a short form of Andrew (Greek 'andreios,' manly), Drew also derives from a Norman given name and surname of Germanic origin meaning 'sturdy' or 'wise.' It is now well established as an independent unisex name.
Variants and related names
Drew is related to several other names you may recognize: Dru, Drue, Andrew. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Drew?
A unisex name in the United States, traditionally masculine but popularized for girls by actress Drew Barrymore.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Drew mean?+
The name Drew means “manly; sturdy / wise” and is of English (from Greek / Germanic) origin.
What is the origin of the name Drew?+
Drew originates from English (from Greek / Germanic).
Is Drew a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Drew has trended in the US over time.
Drew by gender
More unisex names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press