Show ContentsO draighneain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name O draighneain have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Draighnean, from the word draighnean, which means blackthorn. 1

Early Origins of the O draighneain family

The surname O draighneain was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, and County Clare where O'Drennan was chief of Slieve Eise, Finn, and of Cinel-Seudna, a district on the borders of both counties. 2

Early History of the O draighneain family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O draighneain research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1696, 1736 and 1768 are included under the topic Early O draighneain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O draighneain Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Drennan, O'Drennan, Drenan, O'Drenan, Thornton and many more.

Early Notables of the O draighneain family

Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O draighneain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the O draighneain family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Drennan who settled in New Jersey in 1685; James Drennan settled in New York State in 1803; Michael Drennan settled in Philadelphia in 1856; Edward Thorneton settled in Virginia in 1663.



The O draighneain 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: Nec opprimere nec opprimi
Motto Translation: Neither to oppress nor to be oppressed.


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, More Irish Families. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-0126-0)
  2. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook