Short form of Andrew (Greek 'andreios', meaning manly/brave), or from Welsh 'dryw' meaning wise.
Drew began as a short form of Andrew, a name derived from the Greek Andreas, meaning "manly" or "strong." Over time, the nickname stepped out from behind the formal original and became a given name in its own right, especially in English-speaking countries. That shift is part of a broader naming pattern in English: affectionate shortenings such as Jack, Harry, and Drew eventually gain independent status, carrying the freshness of informality while still retaining deep historical roots.
The name has literary and cultural resonance through both Andrew and Drew. Saint Andrew, one of the apostles, gave the longer form immense Christian prestige, while Drew as a standalone name took on a more modern, breezy identity. In popular culture, actress Drew Barrymore helped cement its gender-flexible, approachable image.
The name also appears in surnames and fictional worlds, which adds to its crisp, adaptable feel. Its single syllable gives it a clean, contemporary rhythm that suits modern English naming tastes. Perception of Drew has changed notably over the last century.
What once sounded purely like a nickname came to seem polished in its simplicity. It has been used for boys most often, but it also gained traction for girls, especially in the late twentieth century, when short, tailored names became stylish. That dual-gender usage gives Drew a quiet versatility. It suggests clarity rather than ornament, and while it lacks the antique grandeur of Andrew, it has developed something equally durable: the sense of a name that feels direct, modern, and effortlessly self-possessed.