An excerpt from www.HouseOfNames.com archives copyright © 2000 - 2016
In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Deen surname lived in an area where there was a valley. The place-name is derived from the Old English word denu, when translated means valley. This Old English word has also given rise to other local names such as West Dean in Sussex, Deane in Hampshire and Dean in Essex.
The surname Deen was first found in Sussex where the first record was of Ralph Dene holding manor and estates in that shire.
It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Deen are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Deen include: Dean, Deane, Dene, Deans, Deanes, Denes, Adeane and others.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Deen research. Another 295 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1400, 1588, 1628, 1899, 1440, 1503, 1509, 1547, 1610, 1653, 1638, 1721, 1676, 1708 and are included under the topic Early Deen History in all our PDF Extended History products.
Another 125 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Deen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products.
Some of the Deen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 159 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products.
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Deen or a variant listed above:
Deen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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: Forti et fideli nihil difficile
Motto Translation: To the brave and faithful man nothing is difficult.
The Deen Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Deen Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.
This page was last modified on 3 March 2016 at 16:10.