The locality took its name from the railway station name, assigned by the Queensland Railways Department on 4 September 1919, named after property owner Mr Drinan.[2]
In the 2016 census, Drinan had a population of 170 people.[7]
In the 2021 census, Drinan had a population of 135 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Drinan. The nearest government primary schools are Wallaville State School in neighbouring Wallaville to the south-west, Gin Gin State School in Gin Gin to the north-west, and McIlwraith State School in neighbouring McIlwraith to the north. The nearest government secondary school is Gin Gin State High School to the north-west.[8]