Drew: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced DROO · 1 syllable
Drew means “to carry, pull; phantom, apparition”, from Germanic and English and French.
From Anglo-Norman Drew, Drieu, Drue, from Old French Drogon, Dreus, Drues (made popular by Charlemagne's son Drogo) from Old Dutch Drogo, of uncertain ultimate origin. Possibly from Proto-West Germanic *dragan (“to carry, pull”), or from Proto-Germanic *draugaz (“phantom, apparition”).
- Meaning
- to carry, pull; phantom, apparition
- Origin
- Germanic, English, French
- Pronunciation
- DROO
- US rank (2025)
- #553
- US babies a year
- about 1,038 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1990
How popular is Drew?
Drew was the #553 name in the US in 2025, given to 940 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1990.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #553 |
| England & Wales | #857 |
| Scotland | #599 |
| Northern Ireland | #392 |
| Ireland | #389 |
| Canada | #577 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Drew?
Half of US adults named Drew are older than 34; most are between 19 and 67. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Drew
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Drew
What does the name Drew mean?
Drew means “to carry, pull; phantom, apparition”. It comes from Germanic and English and French.
How do you pronounce Drew?
Drew is pronounced DROO.
How popular is the name Drew?
Drew was the #553 name in the US in 2025, given to 940 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1990.
How old are people named Drew?
Half of US adults named Drew are older than 34. Most are between 19 and 67.