Defreine

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The name Defreine is of Norman Irish origin. There are many anglicised versions of the name - Frayne, DeFrayne, Franey, Freaney, Freeney, Frain, and possibly some more. All these names are the same and have been used, changed and interchanged over the years. All are derivatives of the same name “ DeFreine” (up until the second part of the second half of the 20th century illiteracy was a problem in Ireland, that's why we have the differences in the family name).

The DeFreines, who were of noble blood, came to Ireland with Strongbow during the Norman Invasion of Ireland in the twelfth century. There were and still are two or three families of Irish peers who carry the name DeFréine.

In Wexford the name Franey is common, In Wicklow Freeney / Freney is common and in the Connaught area (Sligo/Galway) Frain, Freine are common. The name is from the French word Frêne which means a wooded place with ash trees indicating that ancestors of that family came from an area noted for its forests. Some sources can even trace the name back to Roman times…