The name
Defreine is of Norman Irish origin. There are many anglicised versions of the name -
Frayne,
Frenes,
Freyne, DeFrayne,
Franey, Freaney,
Freeney,
Frain,
ffrench,
Ffrench,
French 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”. Theophilus de Freyne, third cousin to
William the Conqueror rode beside his cousin at the
Battle of Hastings 1066.