Donyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Donyn first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived 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 Donyn family

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

Early History of the Donyn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donyn 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 Donyn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donyn Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Donyn has appeared include Dunning, Dunnings, Douning, Downing, Dunnin and many more.

Early Notables of the Donyn family

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

Migration of the Donyn family to Ireland

Some of the Donyn 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 Donyn family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Donyn arrived in North America very early: 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.

The Donyn 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.