First found in Hampshire where they were seated from ancient times. The surname comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "draca" which means a dragon or sea serpent. Soon after the Norman invasion in 1066 the name made its appearance in the Isle of Wight and Hampshire area in the south of England. Leuing Drache, who spelled his name with an early Norman variant, held land in Hampshire at this time.

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Drakes to arrive in North America: Thomas Drake who landed in Massachusetts in 1620. The family settled in most of the New England states by the late 17th century. Mr Drake settled at Hingham Mass in 1635.

Motto Translated: The eagle is no fly-catcher.

For more information on the last name Drake, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.