Dran History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Dran

What does the name Dran mean?

The surname Dran is derived from the Middle English word "drane," or drone, which is the male honey bee. 1

Early Origins of the Dran family

The surname Dran was first found in Yorkshire where according to the Hundredorum Rolls of 1276, Roger Drane held estates at that time. Later, Adam le Dron was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1275 and Walter le Dran was listed in the Assize Rolls for Essex in 1285. 2

In Somerset, John atte Drene was listed there 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 3

In Scotland, it is thought to be a "Kintyre surname, perhaps now obsolete. From Irish O'Dreain, 'descendant of Drean,' a wren.'The M'O'Drains, who were Lairds of Carrin and Drumavoulin are now called Drains. The last of these old lairds was Donald M'O'Dhrain (who) was out in the wars of Montrose." 4

Early History of the Dran family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dran research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1275, 1455, 1487 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Dran History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dran Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Drane, Drain, Drone, Dron, Dran, Drayne, Drayn and others.

Early Notables of the Dran family

Distinguished members of the family include

Drane of Yorkshire

Migration of the Dran family to Ireland

Some of the Dran family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 101 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dran family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Henry Drain, who arrived in New York city in 1811; Cathrine Drain, who arrived in St. John, New Brunswick between the years 1833-1838; William Drown, a bonded passenger, who arrived in Maryland in 1742.

Sources +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)