Surname Drury - Meaning and Origin

Journey of Self-Discovery: My iGENEA DNA Test Revelations about the Drury Surname

In the quest for self-discovery, I recently had an iGENEA DNA test - an adventure that brought unexpected turns and myriad revelations. The surprises started with my surname - Drury, which revealed an intimate connection with not just the British Isles, but also a fascinating link with the Vikings from Scandinavia!

J. Drury

Drury: What does the surname Drury mean?

The last name Drury is of Anglo-Norman French origin. It is derived from the term "druerie" which means "love" or "friendship". This term was usually used in the medieval period to depict courtly love. The name could have possibly been a nickname for a person who was amorous, or who behaved like a courtier. It could also refer to someone who participated in medieval courtly love pageants known as drurys. Some variant forms of the last name are Drewery, Drurye, and Druery. It first started being used as a surname in England and then spread to other English-speaking countries. So generally, the last name Drury is associated with love, friendship, courtliness, or participation in certain medieval social events.

Drury: Where does the name Drury come from?

The surname Drury originates from a place name in Normandy, France, known as "Dreux," suggesting the family's origins there before arriving in England around the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Old French, "de Rye" or "de Ri" meant "of the King." The name was initially brought to Britain by Drogo de la Beuvriere, a Norman knight who served William the Conqueror. He was rewarded with lands in Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

Over time, the surname Drury evolved through various spellings, including Drurye, Drewury, Drewry, and others. There's also a small settlement called Drury in North Wales, although it's unclear if there's a direct connection to the surname.

Today, the Drury surname is most common in English-speaking countries, specifically in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it is particularly common in the Midwest and New England states. In England, it is particularly associated with the East Anglia region. Despite its French origin, the surname is not common in France, likely due to the anglicization of the original Norman name.

Variations of the surname Drury

The surname Drury is believed to have originated from France and later, moved to England with the Norman Conquest. It has a few variant forms typically due to regional pronunciation and transliteration differences. Some variants include Drurey, Druery, Drewery, and Dreury.

Sometimes, the surname is spelled as Drewry or Drurie. Yet, these variants all possess the same phonetic pronunciation, hence their classification as belonging to the same common origin.

The surnames Dewry and Dewery could be misspellings and hence variants, but they may also be completely different surnames.

Drury itself is said to have derived from a place in Normandy called "d’Ouilly" or "de Ri", meaning walled or enclosed place, that was Anglicised to Drury or Drewery. Thus, anyone with the surname Drury could have connections to this place.

In Irish lineage, the surname Drury, often spelled as O'Druaidh, is one of the many anglicised forms of the Old Gaelic O'Draoi, descendant of the Druid or Wise man.

In summary, although there are several variants, spelling adjustments, and origin interpretations, they all return to the root surname "Drury."

Famous people with the name Drury

• Nancy Drury: Professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour.
• James Drury: American actor best known for his role in the TV show "The Virginian".
• Dru Drury: 18th-century British entomologist and author.
• Ian Drury: British musician known for his rock and roll band, Ian Dury and the Blockheads.
• Allen Drury: American novelist, he won the Pulitzer Prize for his political thriller "Advise and Consent".
• Tim Drury: American keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter who has toured with bands such as Whitesnake and Eagles.
• Tom Drury: Award-winning American author known for his novels set in the American Midwest.
• Michael Drury: Australian actor known for his role in the medical drama series "Medivac".
• Melissa Drury: British classical pianist.
• Peter Drury: British football commentator.
• Rebecca Drury: British Fashion designer who co-founded the Missprint brand.
• Phil Drury: British football manager.
• Hugh Drury: American Puritan colonist and soldier.
• John Drury: American journalist, author, and news anchor.
• Paul Drury: British Fine Art painter and Engraver.

Other surnames

Drurett