Fraine

The surname Fraine has its origins in England, with records indicating its presence as early as the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "frene," meaning ash tree, suggesting that the name may have been initially associated with a person residing near an ash grove or forest.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Fraine can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from the year 1273, where it appears as "de Frene." This entry suggests that the name may have initially been a locative surname, referring to a place or location before evolving into a hereditary family name.

Historical records also indicate that the Fraine family had a presence in the county of Somerset during the 14th century. In the Lay Subsidy Rolls of 1327, a certain John Fraine is listed as a taxpayer in the village of Cheddar, providing evidence of the family's connection to the region.

During the late 15th century, the name Fraine appeared in the records of the College of Arms, an official repository of genealogical and heraldic information in England. This suggests that members of the Fraine family had achieved a certain level of prominence and recognition during that time period.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Fraine include:

1. William Fraine (c. 1480-1558), an English clergyman who served as the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield from 1541 until his death. 2. Robert Fraine (1567-1628), a merchant and philanthropist from London who funded the establishment of a free school in his hometown of Tenterden, Kent. 3. Elizabeth Fraine (1621-1692), a Quaker writer and preacher who published several religious tracts and was imprisoned multiple times for her beliefs. 4. Thomas Fraine (1748-1823), a renowned landscape architect and garden designer responsible for the creation of several notable estates in England and Scotland. 5. Mary Fraine (1809-1876), a pioneering educator who founded one of the first schools for deaf children in London and advocated for improved educational opportunities for those with disabilities.

While the surname Fraine has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world, likely due to migration and the dispersal of family lines over the centuries. However, its origins can be traced back to the Old French word "frene" and its association with ash trees and specific locations in medieval England.