drew

Drew is a name that can function as a given name or a surname. It originated as a shortened form of Andrew, which comes from the Greek name Andreas meaning “man” or “manly.” In English, Drew developed from a nickname into an independent given name over time. In contemporary usage, it is treated as unisex, though it has historically been more common for males and has become widely adopted for females in modern times.

As a surname, Drew has medieval English roots and can trace its origin to the same given-name source or to habitational names derived from places named Drew. The surname is encountered in various English-speaking countries and among descendants of these communities.

Geographically, the name Drew appears in several places in the United States, including Drew County in Arkansas, as well as towns and other features carrying the name. The presence of the name in place names reflects its historical use as both an adopted given name and a family name.

Notable people with the given name include Drew Barrymore, an American actress and producer; Drew Carey, an American comedian and television host; Drew Brees, an American football quarterback; and Drew Gilpin Faust, an American historian and former president of Harvard University. The name Drew continues to be used globally across cultures and languages as a personal identifier.