Show ContentsTrayner History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Trayner family

The surname Trayner was first found in Durham where the family name was first referenced in the year 1243 when Robert Treiner held in Durham. 1 Years later, Robertus Trainer was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 and Yorkshire is arguably the first stronghold of the family. 2

There are two distinct theories as to the etymology of the surname: "from an occupation. 'the trainer,' probably of horses," 2 and from the Middle English "tryane, 'to lay or train or snare, to set a trap', a trapper." 1 Either way, the name was an occupational surname.

Early History of the Trayner family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Trayner research. Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1153, 1172, 1379, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1600 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Trayner History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Trayner Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Trainer, Trainor, Treiner, Traynor, Treanor and many more.

Early Notables of the Trayner family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • the Trayner family of Durham

Ireland Migration of the Trayner family to Ireland

Some of the Trayner family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 103 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Canada Trayner migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Trayner Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Patrick Trayner, who landed in Quebec in 1784


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


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