Rising since 2015, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Dru since 1943
Babies named Dru per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 36 | 0 |
| 1950s | 395 | 149 |
| 1960s | 214 | 238 |
| 1970s | 71 | 239 |
| 1980s | 144 | 344 |
| 1990s | 170 | 516 |
| 2000s | 314 | 536 |
| 2010s | 271 | 373 |
| 2020s | 251 | 393 |
Meaning & origin
Dru is a concise, modern name that entered the U.S. records in 1950 and has since been used for both boys and girls, though predominantly as a masculine name. It reached its peak popularity in 1999, and after a period of decline, has been rising again since 2015. The name is most popular in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. Its simplicity and short, punchy sound make it a distinctive alternative to the more common Drew, while its associations with Andrew and Drusilla give it a subtle traditional grounding.
Dru is primarily a diminutive or variant spelling of Drew, which itself is a short form of Andrew (from Greek Andreas, meaning 'manly'). It can also be a shortened form of the feminine name Drusilla, of Latin origin meaning 'strong' or 'fruitful'. As an independent given name, Dru has been used in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century, often chosen for its concise and modern sound.
Where Dru is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Drew
Sibling names for Dru
Names that share Dru's style, for a brother or sister.
