Dreys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France

Etymology of Dreys

What does the name Dreys mean?

This name is a nickname for someone who is 'enduring, patient', 'doughty, fierce', 'slow, tedious' from the Middle English word "dre" or "dregh." 1 Another source claims the name means 'crafty, cunning' from the same Middle English word. 2

Early Origins of the Dreys family

The surname Dreys was first found in Norfolk where the Pipe Rolls of 1219 listed Roger Drie as holding lands there at that time. Later records show Geoffrey Drye in 1292 and the Feet of Fines for Essex list William Drye there in 1321. The Feet of Fines for Cambridgeshire includes an entry for Walter Drye in 1339. 1

Early History of the Dreys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dreys research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1321, 1455, 1487 and 1858 are included under the topic Early Dreys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dreys Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Dry, Drey, Drye, Dray, Dreigh, Drie, Dreye and others.

Early Notables of the Dreys family

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

Migration of the Dreys family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Dry, who came to Virginia in 1663; George Drye, who came to Barbados in 1664; Catharine Dry, who settled in Maryland in 1669; Augustin Dry, who settled in Barbados in 1679.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print