Drew is a short, old name with more than one possible origin in Ireland.
Where does the Drew name come from?
Drew has a few roots. It may come from the medieval personal name Drew or Dru, of Norman-French use, meaning something like “sturdy” or “beloved.” In some Irish cases it also served as an anglicised form of older Gaelic names of similar sound. The name was carried to Ireland by both Norman and English settlers.
Drew in Ireland
The name became established in several parts of the country and is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain. As a name with mixed roots, its story is best followed through the families who carry it.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Drury, Dalton, and Barry.
Carry the Drew name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Drew collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Drew an Irish surname?
Drew is found in Ireland as a settled name of Norman and English origin, and in places as an anglicisation of older Gaelic names.
What does Drew mean?
It generally comes from the medieval personal name Drew or Dru, meaning roughly “sturdy” or “beloved.”
Is there a Drew family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Drew products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
