Map of France showing where the Drury arms are recorded
The Drury arms were recorded in Northamptonshire, c. 1725.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Drury arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Northamptonshire.
Origin & History of the Drury Family in France
The surname Drury is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname derived from the Old French word "dru," which meant a friend, a lover, or a trusted companion. During the Middle Ages, this name was likely bestowed upon someone known for their charming personality or their loyal nature. By the early eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Northamptonshire, where records from 1725 confirm their residency in the region. At this time, members of the family were often involved in local agriculture and community life, reflecting the broader social patterns of rural England. As the name spread across the country, it became a fixed identifier for families who maintained deep roots in their local parishes and contributed to the development of their specific towns and villages.
Drury Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
druerie
Old French term for courtship, love, or a love token.
This name
DruryA nickname for a lover, a sweetheart, or a favorite person.
also spelled
Drury
Doverstone
Drooree dOverston
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
