Declining since 1996, #553 for boys today.
Popularity of Drew since 1880
Babies named Drew per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 71 |
| 1890s | 0 | 38 |
| 1900s | 0 | 41 |
| 1910s | 7 | 198 |
| 1920s | 11 | 241 |
| 1930s | 15 | 303 |
| 1940s | 48 | 1,224 |
| 1950s | 121 | 3,280 |
| 1960s | 56 | 4,386 |
| 1970s | 51 | 4,168 |
| 1980s | 702 | 15,592 |
| 1990s | 2,153 | 19,334 |
| 2000s | 2,206 | 16,710 |
| 2010s | 2,007 | 9,680 |
| 2020s | 2,116 | 3,326 |
Meaning & origin
Drew is a short, strong name with roots as a nickname for Andrew, ultimately derived from Greek 'andreios' meaning manly. It has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century, gaining steady popularity through the 20th century. Drew peaked in 1985 at rank 553, but has been falling since 1996. As of 2025, it remains moderately common, with about 1 in 3,157 boys receiving the name. Its top states have included North Dakota, Hawaii, and Louisiana, reflecting a broad regional appeal. The name's simplicity and modern feel have kept it in use across diverse communities.
Drew originated as a short form of Andrew, which comes from the Greek name Andreas, deriving from 'andreios' meaning 'manly' or 'courageous'. In medieval England, Andrew was common, and the nickname Drew became an independent given name by the 19th century, particularly in the United States. It has also been used as a surname.
Where Drew is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Drew” around the world
Where Drew lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Drew
Names that share Drew's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kate, Grace, Hailey, Ella, Paige, Jamie, Rae, Blaire, Karis, Laine, Merritt, Parris, Andee, Camri, Chardonnay, Deatra, Drena, Lynett, Ramey, Aigner, Ande, Bre, Cay, Cheney, Courtenay, Kleigh, Lace, Marce, Rhegan, Savvy, Swayzee, Drianna, Maitland, Trivia
Brothers: Blake, Cole, Grant, Reid, Jack, Ross, Brice, Brock, Cale, Gray, Jory, Lane, Riggs, Scot, Torrey, Trent, Wes, Broc, Burke, Ryne, Thayer, Truitt, Whit, Brack, Bray, Briton, Cheyne, Criss, Cuyler, Dade, Daine, Dreux, Lean, Mills, Parish, Reeves, Shant, Slate, Tab, Trinton, Calhoun, Chen, Damonie, Quadre, Sadler, Swayde, Syd, Teller, Traver, Traves, Camp, Cable, Chez, Cope, Cote, Crewe, Croy, Huie, Joal, Kie, Mays, Nore, Rally, Reice, Rhet, Shayde
Names like Drew
Names whose popularity has moved with Drew's over the last 50 years.
