Show ContentsDane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Dane family

The surname Dane was first found in Wuerttemberg, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Dane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dane research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1655, 1681, 1707 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Dane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dane Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Denner, Denne, Danne, Dane, Denn, Danner and others.

Early Notables of the Dane family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dane Ranking

In the United States, the name Dane is the 12,075th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


United States Dane migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dane Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Thomas and William Dane also migrated to the same area in 1635
  • Yoragh Dane, who settled in Virginia in 1635
  • Mr. Thomas Dane, (b. 1603), aged 32, British carpenter travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Elizabeth and Anne" arriving in Massachusetts Bay (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire) in 1635 2
  • John Dane who migrated from Essex, England, to Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1636
  • Eustace Dane, who settled in Virginia in 1652

Canada Dane migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dane Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Daniel Dane U.E. who settled in Charlotee County, New Brunswick c. 1784 member of the Cape Ann Association 3
  • Mr. Luther Dane U.E., "Dana" who settled in Charlotee County, New Brunswick c. 1784 member of the Cape Ann Association 3

Australia Dane migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Dane Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • John Dane, aged 23, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Admiral Boxer"

New Zealand Dane migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Dane Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • H. Dane, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Nimroud" in 1860

Contemporary Notables of the name Dane (post 1700) +

  • Faith Dane (1923-2020), American actress, musician, artist, and perennial candidate for elected office in Washington, D.C
  • Warrel Dane (1961-2017), American lead singer of the American power metal band Sanctuary
  • Lloyd Dane (1925-2015), American NASCAR Grand National Series driver from Eldon, Missouri
  • Barbara Dane (b. 1927), American folk, blues, and jazz singer
  • Dana Dane (b. 1965), stage name of Dana McLeese, an American hip hop recording artist
  • Eric Dane (b. 1972), American actor, best known for his recurring role as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy
  • Karl Dane (1886-1934), born Rasmus Karl Therkelsen Gottlieb, Danish-born, American comedian and actor known for his work in the silent film era
  • Jax Dane (b. 1981), American professional wrestler, former one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion
  • Nathan Dane (1752-1835), American lawyer and statesman who represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress from 1785 through 1788
  • Lawrence Dane (1937-2022), stage name of Lawrence Joseph Zahab, a Canadian actor and film producer, best known for his role as Lt. Preston in Bride of Chucky
  • ... (Another 2 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Alan Fred Dane, British Leading Steward, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 4


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 24th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  3. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  4. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html


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