Show ContentsDrady History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Drady is the anglicized version of the Irish surname "O Dreada." The surname has also been recorded in Galway where it is believed to be an anglicized form of the Connaught name Ó Draoda, a name usually anglicized as Drudy.

Early Origins of the Drady family

The surname Drady was first found in County Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where the name was listed in 16th century Fiants, and later in wills dating back to 1629.

Early History of the Drady family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Drady research. The years 1820 and 1840 are included under the topic Early Drady History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Drady Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Draddy, O'Draddy, Graddy, Drady and others.

Early Notables of the Drady family

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


Drady migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Drady Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Anastatia Drady, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1820

Drady migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Drady Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Eugene Drady, (Owen, Draddy), (b. 1806), aged 32, Irish labourer who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Clyde" on 11th May 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1912 1


The Drady 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: Vulneratus non victus
Motto Translation: Wounded not vanquished.


  1. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/clyde


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