Dans History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the Dans surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived in the valley or the dann. The surname often meant the dweller in the valley. 1

Alternatively the name could have been "derived from the name of an ancestor, 'the son of Daniel,' from nickname Dan. " 2

Early Origins of the Dans family

The surname Dans was first found in Sussex where Geoffrey atte Danne was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. Later in Sussex, Simon Dann was found in the Subsidy Rolls for 1332. 1

Early History of the Dans family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dans research. Another 80 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1327 is included under the topic Early Dans History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dans Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Dans include Dan, Dann, Danne, Dans, Danns, Dannes and others.

Early Notables of the Dans family

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

Migration of the Dans family to Ireland

Some of the Dans family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dans family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: George Dan who settled in Virginia in 1655; John Dan settled in Barbados in 1678; Jacob Dann settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1870.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)