Donen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The roots of the Anglo-Saxon name Donen come from when the family resided in the region of Dunning in the lower part of Strathearn. Today Dunning is the process of communicating with customers to ensure the collection of accounts receivable derived from the 17th century verb "dun," meaning to demand payment of a debt.

Early Origins of the Donen family

The surname Donen was first found in Shropshire where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Donen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donen research. Another 243 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1199, 1200, 1234, 1437, 1440, 1514 and 1782 are included under the topic Early Donen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donen Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Donen has been recorded under many different variations, including Dunning, Dunnings, Douning, Downing, Dunnin and many more.

Early Notables of the Donen family

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

Migration of the Donen family to Ireland

Some of the Donen 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 Donen family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Donen or a variant listed above: Sarah Dunning who made her home in Virginia in 1650. George Dunning traveled further south landing in Barbados in 1654. In 1774; the first Dunning entered Canada. John Dunning, 24.

Contemporary Notables of the name Donen (post 1700) +

Stanley Donen (1924-2019), American film director and choreographer, awarded an Honorary Academy Award in 1998 and a Career Golden Lion from the Venice Film Festival in 2004

The Donen Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Studiis et rebus honestis
Motto Translation: By study and honourable pursuits.