Surname Drewas - Meaning and Origin
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Drewas: What does the surname Drewas mean?
The last name Drewas is an Anglicized version of the German surname Drewes. The name Drewes has its origins in Old High German and is derived from the ancient word druwin, which translates to “thief” or “robber.” Over the centuries, the name has become significantly altered and is now seen throughout Europe and America in various forms, including Drewe, Drewes, Drews, Drewes, and Drewas.
In its original form, the name was likely given to an individual who had a reputation for thievery - perhaps a notorious neighborhood crook or a gentleman thief. In some cases, the surname could have been taken as a mark of honor or admiration; someone with a skill for getting away with illegitimate gain may have been given this name as a title.
Over time, and increasingly in the modern day, the last name Drewas has taken on a variety of more benign meanings. This includes references to a peaceful, ethical way of living or to someone known for resourcefulness and cleverness. Sometimes, the name also carries a connotation of ingenuity and independence, along with a strong sense of loyalty.
Regardless of its original connotations, the last name Drewas is now most often associated with characters of strong integrity who use their wits to navigate life’s challenges with skill and grace.
Order DNA origin analysisDrewas: Where does the name Drewas come from?
Drewas is a surname derived from the Old Germanic given name Drewo, meaning strong or brave. As a result, the name has spread across Europe with variants found in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In the United States, the spelling of Drewas is not common. However, the surname Drew¬—which has the same etymology—is widely seen throughout the nation.
Today, Drewas is more common in Europe than the United States. In the United Kingdom, for example, the surname, also spelled as Dreves, is most commonly found in Northern England. People with the name Drews also populate the states of Brandenburg and Sachsen in Germany. In Slovenia, the surname is found mainly in the regions of Styria and Carinthia. In France, Drewes and Drœves are the most popular spellings.
In the United States, there are a few individuals who are known to have the Drewas spelling, but this spelling is much more infrequent than the Americanized Drew. The vast majority of Drews found in the United States are likely of English or Irish origin, as the countries have shared a historic relationship extending back centuries.
To summarize, the surname Drewas is not typically seen in the United States, but can be found with some frequency in Europe, with its most popular regions to bear the name being the United Kingdom, Germany, Slovenia, France, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Variations of the surname Drewas
Drewas is a surname of German or Jewish origin. It is derived from the Old German personal name 'Drogo', which means "bear". Common variants and spellings of Drewas include Drewes, Dreuss, Dreusser, Dreas, Dreusser, Dreasler, Drees, Drewser, Dreis, Dreisler, Drewer, Dreyser, Dreiser, Dreiserner, and Dreiserin.
In the United States, Drewas is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, but is found throughout the country in states such as New York, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and California.
The Drewas family can also be found in the United Kingdom, most commonly in London and throughout the surrounding area. There they can be found as Drewese, Drexa, Drexs, Drews, and Drws.
In Germany, Drewas is found as Dreus and Dreusser. The spelling forms Dreßen and Dreßel are also used there. In Austria, the variations Dreßert and Dreßl have been recorded.
In the Jewish community, Drewas is rendered as 'Dras' or 'Dres', although variations such as Drescher, Drascher, Drash, Dresch, and Dracas have been found.
Other spellings or variants of Drewas which may be found include Dresche, Drasche, Druas, Drowas, Drowse, Draughs, Draugh, Drush, Drusha, and Drusham.
Famous people with the name Drewas
- John Drewas: Actor, known for roles in Shameless and Rizzoli & Isles
- Maureen Drewas: Model featured in Vogue Italia and Vogue Russia
- Ryan Drewas: Professional baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals
- Christian Drewas: Designer, winner of "Design Works", a furniture competition
- Kaleo Drewas: Country music singer, best known for hit songs such as "Ring of Fire" and "Hold My Hand"
- Travis Drewas: Comedy actor, best known for roles on Saturday Night Live
- Ashley Drewas: Award-winning food blogger and author of the cookbook, The Everyday Gourmet
- Andrew Drewas: Award-winning chef and TV culinary show host
- Brooke Drewas: Professional acrobat and aerialist, featured in "Cirque du Soleil"
- Ella Drewas: Award-winning dancer and choreographer, featured in the movie Step Up 2