Surname Drew - Meaning and Origin
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Decoding History and Culture: An Intriguing Exploration of the Drew Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test
Immersing myself in the depths of my ancestral past, the iGENEA DNA test created a captivating narrative about my surname, Drew. From the intricate history of the Anglo-Saxon period to migration patterns and the roots in Western Europe, I gained a profound understanding of my heritage, enhancing my connection to my lineage in a profound way.
L. Drew
read moreDrew: What does the surname Drew mean?
The surname Drew is of old Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the personal name "Drew," which is a shortened form of Andrew. Andrew is a Greek name that means 'manly' or 'brave'. Drew could also originate from the Middle English word "Drewe", which is the past tense of "draw". In this context, it was possibly used as a nickname for people who were tricksters or for those good with a bow. Additionally, it may refer to a place in Normandy, France, called Dreux, and served as a locational name for individuals coming from there. The surname has multiple variations including Drewe, Drewes, Drews, and Dru. The name Drew, over centuries, spread across various parts of the world, thus acquiring different linguistic and regional influences and making the meaning of the last name quite diverse. Nowadays, the use of "Drew" is more common as a first name rather than a last name. Famous people with the surname Drew includes Nancy Drew, a fictional character in a mystery series, and Charles R. Drew, an American surgeon and medical researcher.
Order DNA origin analysisDrew: Where does the name Drew come from?
The last name Drew is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in Suffolk, England. It is derived from the personal name Andrew, which in turn comes from the Greek name Andreas meaning ‘manly’. Over time, 'Andrew' developed several reduced forms and nickname derivatives, one of which is 'Drew'. Thus, the last name Drew initially began as a first name and gradually evolved into a surname. Historically, it was often a occupational name, given to a "drew", a medieval term for a wood turner, a maker of wheels and wooden utensils.
Today, the surname Drew is common in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the British islands, it is specifically more frequent in the regions of Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The popularity of this surname has been enhanced by significant public figures, such as American actress Drew Barrymore, or the Drew family of inventors and entrepreneurs. Despite its origins and prevalence in English-speaking countries, the name Drew can be found in various nations across the world today.
Variations of the surname Drew
The surname Drew, typically of English origin, can be traced back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. This surname belongs to a large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names which are derived from pre-existing place names.
Variants and alternate spellings of the surname Drew include Drewe, Drews, Drewes, Drue, Drues, and Drewett. Some of these variations have resulted from the evolution and interpretation of the surname through time and across regions. Others may have developed to distinguish branches within the same family line.
Similarly, the surname Drew has other correlating surnames due to regional influences and linguistic changes. Some of these cognate surnames are Drury and Drewry.
In many cultures, Drew has also been used as a given name, adding to the variety in which this name is found in documentation and records.
Despite this range of spellings and variants, each are recognized as sharing an origin with the traditional form, Drew. Differences in spelling can often provide useful hints, offering valuable information about the family history, origins, and migrations.
Famous people with the name Drew
- Drew Barrymore: Actress, model, author and producer; best known for films such as E.T., The Wedding Singer, Charlie's Angels, and The Santa Clause.
- Drew Brees: Professional American football player for the New Orleans Saints.
- Julianne Hough: Professional dancer, actress, singer, and songwriter best known for appearing in films such as Footloose, Rock of Ages, and Safe Haven.
- Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Actor best known for his iconic role as the middle child in the ABC sitcom Home Improvement and as the voice of young Simba in Disney's The Lion King.
- Sienna Miller: Actress best known for her roles in Factory Girl, Stardust, Alfie, Foxcatcher, and Live by Night.
- Bobby Brown: Singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, producer, and former member of the popular R&B group, New Edition.
- CaCee Cobb: Personal assistant and best friend of Jessica Simpson; wife of singer-songwriter Donald Faison on the TV show Scrubs.
- Scarlett Johansson: Actress and singer best known for her performances in films such as Lost in Translation, The Prestige, and Vicky Christina Barcelona.
- Ellen Drew: American actress and model best known for her performances in films such as Virgin Island, Carry On Sergeant, and Night Shadows.
- Debbie Reynolds: Actress, singer, and dancer best known for her appearances in classic films such as Singin' in the Rain, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and How the West Was Won.