Drax (surname)

The surname Drax is of English origin, and is generally considered to be a locational surname. It derives from the village of Drax in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. The place name "Drax" itself is believed to be of Old English origin, possibly derived from "dræc," meaning "drain" or "watercourse," referring to a marshy area. The name could also be derived from an Old English personal name.

Individuals adopting the surname would likely have originated from Drax and subsequently moved elsewhere. Over time, variations in spelling might have occurred.

Notable individuals with the surname Drax include:

• Richard Drax (born 1958), a British Conservative politician and Member of Parliament. His family has a long association with the Drax Hall Plantation in Barbados, and this connection has been the subject of controversy.

The name is not particularly common, and its distribution is primarily within the United Kingdom, with some presence in other English-speaking countries. Historical records, such as parish registers and census data, can provide further insight into the geographical distribution and historical occurrences of the surname.