Find out how popular the first name Drey has been for the last 39 years (from 1985 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Drey by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Drey is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Drey.

The history of the first name Drey

The name Drey finds its origins in the Germanic languages, with its roots dating back to the early medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old High German word "drau," which translates to "brave" or "courageous." This name was initially prevalent among the tribes of modern-day Germany and surrounding regions.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Drey can be found in the Nibelungenlied, an epic poem from the 13th century. In this literary work, Drey was the name of a valiant warrior who fought alongside the renowned hero Siegfried. This association with bravery and heroism may have contributed to the name's popularity during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Drey. One such figure was Drey von Andechs (1180-1237), a German nobleman and crusader who participated in the Fifth Crusade. His exploits and leadership during the crusades earned him recognition and respect among his contemporaries.

In the realm of literature, Drey Heyward (1886-1976) was an American author and playwright, best known for his novel "Porgy," which later inspired the opera "Porgy and Bess." His work shed light on the African American experience in the early 20th century and contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of the time.

Another prominent figure was Drey Scholes (1920-2002), a British computer scientist and mathematician. Scholes played a crucial role in the development of early computer systems and programming languages, contributing significantly to the field of computer science during its formative years.

In the world of sports, Drey Becker (1926-2012) was a legendary German footballer who played as a striker for Bayern Munich and the German national team. He was part of the West German squad that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup, cementing his place in the annals of football history.

While the name Drey has its roots in the Germanic languages, it has also found use in other cultures and regions over time. However, its core meaning and association with bravery and courage remain consistent throughout its history, reflecting the enduring legacy of this ancient name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Drey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Drey, please contact us.

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