Drue

The name Drue has its roots in the Old English language, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "dryge," which means "dry" or "arid." The name may have been originally used as a descriptive term for someone who lived in a dry or arid region, or perhaps as a nickname for someone with a dry or reserved personality.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Drue can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Drue," "Dru," and "Dryw," which suggests that it was already in use among the Anglo-Saxons before the Norman Conquest.

In medieval times, the name Drue was relatively uncommon but can be found in various historical records and documents. One notable figure was Drue Barantyn, a wealthy merchant and benefactor who lived in London in the 14th century. He is mentioned in several records from the City of London archives, and his name is inscribed on the church of St. Olave's in Hart Street, where he was buried in 1399.

Another historical figure bearing the name Drue was Sir Drue Drury, an English soldier and statesman who lived in the 16th century (c. 1520-1617). He served as Lord Deputy of Ireland and played a significant role in suppressing the Desmond Rebellions in the 1570s and 1580s.

In the realm of literature, the name Drue appears in some early English works, such as the Middle English romance "Sir Degrevant," where a character named Drue is mentioned. Additionally, in the 16th century, the English poet and playwright John Lyly used the name Drue for a character in his play "Endymion, or The Man in the Moon."

Another notable bearer of the name Drue was Drue Cargill (1619-1681), a Scottish Covenanter who was executed for his involvement in the Bothwell Bridge Rebellion against the Scottish government in 1679.

While the name Drue has been relatively rare throughout history, it has been borne by several other individuals of note, including Drue Smith (1638-1684), an English Baptist minister and author, and Drue Leyton (fl. 1570-1590), an English composer and musician during the Renaissance period.