Show ContentsDroney History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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

Early Origins of the Droney family

The surname Droney 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 Droney family

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

Droney Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Droney family

More information is included under the topic Early Droney Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Droney family to Ireland

Some of the Droney 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.


United States Droney migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Droney Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mary Droney, aged 20, who arrived in America, in 1897
Droney Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Margaret Droney, aged 26, who arrived in America, in 1906
  • William Droney, aged 22, who arrived in America from Macroon, Ireland, in 1908
  • Bridget Droney, aged 18, who arrived in America from Maltounmally, Ireland, in 1909
  • Annie Droney, aged 25, who arrived in America from Doonagore, Ireland, in 1910
  • Ellen Droney, aged 18, who arrived in America from Miltown Malbay, Ireland, in 1911
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Droney (post 1700) +

  • Christopher Fitzgerald Droney (1954-2011), American Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (2011-), U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut (1993-1997)
  • John Droney, American politician and lawyer, brother of Christopher F. Droney


  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. 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.
  4. 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)


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