Drew sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Andrew, Drue, and Drew are the closest matches by sound. Most share Drew's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"manly, strong, courageous"
"one who is learned"
"dear one of God"
"soldier"
"hillside dweller"
"son of Benedict/Benjamin"
"the greatest"
"appointed, placed by God"
"God has heard"
"traverser, one who crosses"
"ardor, enthusiasm, fierceness"
"mill worker, grain grinder"
"descendant of Grádaigh"
"lion of God"
"trustworthy, loyal"
"may God protect"
"to hold fast, to restrain"
"crooked nose"
"from the valley town"
"sea fortress, sea friend"
"lying flat (large book)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Drew — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Drew.
Rhythm: Drew is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.